Denver vs. Amsterdam: A Comparative Look at Marijuana Laws and Culture

Since Colorado legalized recreational marijuana, it has gained national attention for its progressive stance on cannabis. However, this shift in perception raises an interesting question: How do Denver’s marijuana laws and culture compare to Amsterdam, often seen as a cannabis hub?

Purchase Limits: Denver Takes the Lead

Denver surpasses Amsterdam when it comes to the amount of marijuana one can purchase. In Amsterdam, there’s a limit of five grams per purchase, while Denver allows residents to buy up to an ounce at a time, offering more than five times the amount. In terms of purchasing limits, Denver takes an early lead.

Cultivation: Denver Allows Home Growing

In Denver, residents can legally grow up to six marijuana plants at home, provided certain conditions are met, such as an enclosed and locked greenhouse with no more than three flowering plants at once. In the Netherlands, growing marijuana is strictly prohibited by law, although small-scale, discreet grow operations often go unnoticed. Despite the informal tolerance in Amsterdam, Denver wins in terms of cultivation freedoms.

Public Consumption: A Draw

Both Denver and Amsterdam have their own rules regarding public consumption. In Colorado, smoking marijuana in public spaces is illegal. However, there have been efforts to establish “cannabis clubs,” and a few places discreetly allow consumption despite not being legally sanctioned. In Amsterdam, famous for its cannabis coffee shops, such establishments are not technically legal either, but prosecution for purchasing and consuming marijuana in these venues is exceedingly rare. Given Amsterdam’s established culture of public marijuana consumption, this category ends in a draw.

Munchies: Amsterdam’s Unique Delights

The battle for the best munchies is a tough one. Denver boasts some culinary delights, like the invention of the cheeseburger and unique offerings at Coors Field. On the other hand, Amsterdam serves up a variety of exclusive treats, including bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs with mustard dipping sauce), stroopwafel (thin waffle sandwiches filled with syrup), Dutch fries with diverse toppings, kibbling (deep-fried fish with creamy herb sauce), vending machine croquettes, oliebollen (deep-fried sweet dumplings), and an abundance of Dutch cheese. Amsterdam’s culinary offerings offer many mouthwatering options that Denver can’t quite match.