Smoking cannabis in public banned in designated areas of Amsterdam
Archived Article – But Slightly Updated
This is an archived article. But every once in a while we update some of the information – both because this article remains popular, and because the popular commercial re-issue of the original sign is still available.
Amsterdam’s “No Smoking Cannabis in Public” Sign
- Smoking cannabis in public banned in designated areas of Amsterdam
- “No Toking” signs stolen
- Where to buy Amsterdam’s “No Toking” Sign (Blowverbod)
- Amsterdam’s “No Toking” Signs Banned
- Ban on public use of soft drugs is on again
- Why does the ban focus on the Red Light District?
- Amsterdam: Tourism in Balance
Amsterdam, January 11, 2008 — The Amsterdam neighborhood De Baarsjes is extending its ‘No Toking’ prohibition for an unspecified period.
The measure, which took effect on February 1, 2006, began as an experimental ban on smoking marijuana on and around Mercatorplein to reduce loitering and petty crime. The area around the square, a central hub in the Amsterdam West neighborhood, is home to many “coffeeshops,” where soft drugs are sold and used legally.
The extension is due to the prohibition’s success in reducing the number of disruptive loiterers in the area. An official report states that the problems have not simply shifted to areas where the prohibition is not in effect.
Therefore, the borough has no plans to introduce the prohibition at other locations in the neighborhood.
“No Toking” signs stolen
When the measure was first introduced, it attracted media attention worldwide. Closer to home, the borough soon discovered that its prohibition signs quickly became popular collector’s items (read: the signs were stolen).
The borough then decided to sell the signs on its website, donating the profits to charity.
Where to buy Amsterdam’s “No Toking” Sign (Blowverbod)
That sale has long since ended. However, you can still buy Amsterdam’s official “No Toking” signs at the Amsterdam Cadeau website.The site is in Dutch only, so use the translation program of your choice. Yes, they ship internationally.
Amsterdam’s “No Toking” Signs Banned
In a legal twist, the Council of State (Raad van State – the Dutch government’s top legal adviser) ruled in July 2011 that the city of Amsterdam had no right to establish official zones where smoking weed is banned, since possession of the drug is already theoretically illegal in the Netherlands.
Yes, even though the city is known for its “coffeeshops” — where the Dutch practice of gedogen means you can legally buy weed and hash. Possession of cannabis and hash under 5 grams (0.18 ounces) was decriminalized in 1975.
Ban on public use of soft drugs is on again
However, since that ruling, the legal situation has changed. Amsterdam is now allowed to ban smoking cannabis in certain areas, particularly where locals and businesses experience significant nuisance.
In 2023, the city banned smoking cannabis in public within the Red Light District and surrounding areas. The law took effect in May of that year.
However, since that ruling, the legal situation has changed. Amsterdam is now allowed to ban smoking cannabis in certain areas, particularly where locals and businesses experience significant nuisance.
In 2023, the city banned smoking cannabis in public within the infamous Red Light District and surrounding areas. The law took effect in May of that year.
So far, there have been no reports of the “No Smoking Cannabis in Public” signs being stolen.
Why does the ban focus on the Red Light District?
The designated-area ban covers not only the Red Light District and its neighboring streets but also nearby Dam Square, Damrak (the main route between Central Station and Dam Square), and Nieuwmarkt.
The ban is part of a series of measures to address crime and antisocial behavior to improve the quality of life for residents. Amsterdam’s downtown area is experiencing the effects of mass tourism, including alcohol and drug abuse in the streets.
Amsterdam: Tourism in Balance
The No Toking ban is part of a broader, long-term initiative championed by Mayor Femke Halsema and the city council called “Tourism in Balance.” [See the City of Amsterdam Tourism Policy (official)]
Plan your Amsterdam trip:
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- Things to do in Amsterdam
- Key to the City: I Amsterdam City Card (Big Value)
- Visitor’s Guide
- Amsterdam street food delicacy: Herring
- Amsterdam Webcams
- Amsterdam King’s Day 2026: All-Day Citywide Street Party!
- Keukenhof 2026: seven million tulips and other flowers
- National Tulip Day Amsterdam – Free Tulips
- Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo
Plan your Amsterdam trip:
- Save on accommodation from hostels and apartments to luxury hotels
- Pick your hotel on this map of Amsterdam and surroundings
- Cheap flights to Amsterdam
- Unlimited Public Transport 1-7 days
- Things to do in Amsterdam
- Key to the City: I Amsterdam City Card (Big Value)
- Visitor’s Guide
Anton and Janet Hein live and work in Amsterdam. We are the publishers of DutchAmsterdam.
Anton was born on a houseboat in the center of Amsterdam, right across from the iconic Westertoren and what later became the Anne Frank House museum. Having lived in nearly every district since then, he knows the city like his own back pocket.
Janet was born in England and raised in Ireland before moving to Amsterdam 43 years ago. Even to date she brings an expat’s perspective to the DutchAmsterdam website.
Last updated Monday, March 30, 2026 CET (Central European Time)
Do not republish or repost.
