Famous Coffeeshops by Sandemans New Europe GMBH

Tour Itinerary

Cannabis, marijuana, dope, weed, bud - whatever you call it, it's one fascinating plant. Cultivated for thousands of years for hemp fibre; used to treat hundreds of ailments; treasured for spiritual and religious use all over the world it also also the world's fourth most popular mood-altering substance after caffeine, tobacco and alcohol. Why do some say it can save the planet and others claim it ruins lives? Conflicting reports and opinions make for a hazy image - is there a way to cut through the smokescreen?

Join us for an in-depth investigation of the cannabis culture of Amsterdam: the history, (il)legality and future of the city's most talked about subject. This is an honest, fun and impartial look at the Netherlands' drugs policies and their consequences that explores all the arguments for and against cannabis from the point of view of the law, the consumers and business. What lessons have we learned after nearly four decades of this policy and how has Amsterdam changed? Can the coffeeshops survive hostile legislation and pressure from neighboring countries?

We'd like to discuss these issues and more as we roll through the Red Light District and Chinatown.

ON THE 2 HOUR TOUR WE COVER:

The History of Cannabis

Medical Marijuana

The Industrial Uses of Hemp

Nixon's War on Drugs

Rastafarianism and 'Ganja'

The Red Light District

The Tower of Tears

Amsterdam's Chinatown

Amsterdam's First Coffeeshop

Dutch Drug Laws

The Chemistry of Getting High

Amsterdam's Organized Crime

Coalition Project 1012

The 'Gateway Drug' Theory

Cannabis and Mental Health

Is Cannabis Addictive?

Cannabusiness

…and much more!

Tour starts at Cafe Sonneveld (Egelantiersgracht 72-74)