Chances are you've walked past both stores or even gone inside. In the Netherlands these two types of stores can be found in every city nowadays, but how do they differ? Although they are really two different types of stores with their own characteristic products, they can look very similar, especially for the more inexperienced visitor. In this blog, therefore, we'd like to explain to you what makes a smartshop different from a coffee shop.
Sale of cannabis?
For starters, it's good to keep in mind that cannabis is technically (still) not legal in the Netherlands. However, its sale is tolerated in stores with a special license. These stores are called coffeeshops. So these are the only stores in the Netherlands where one can legally buy marijuana for recreational use. Smartshops do not have this license, and are therefore not allowed to sell cannabis with THC. In a smartshop, therefore, you will never find THC-containing cannabis or edibles, such as space cake and space brownies. This is one of the main differences. However, smartshops are permitted to sell cannabis products that contain the non-psychoactive cannabinoids, such as CBD and terpenes. These include CBD drops and supplements, candy, cookies and skin care.
Magic Truffles
The smartshop, on the other hand, differs from coffee shops because of the sale of magic truffles, or psilocybin. Selling them also requires a special smartshop license, which coffee shops do not have. However, there are some rules attached to this that only allow the sale of fresh psilocybin-containing truffles. It is prohibited to handle or process the truffles in any way, such as drying them, turning them into food or making a tincture from them. Previously, smartshops were still allowed to sell dried mushrooms, which contain the same active ingredient only more concentrated. However, new rules banned this in 2008, but magic truffles fell outside this law.
Herbs
Coffee shops basically sell only cannabis-related products. They are not allowed to sell alcohol, tobacco or other herbs. In a smartshop, however, you can often find a wide range of herbs. From calming herbs like wild dagga to the (strong) psychoactive herbs like salvia divinorum. Smartshops often sell these herbs as dried plant material. Sometimes it is ground into powder, as is often the case with kratom. Also, smartshop usually offer a range of herbal blends with different effects, from party supplements and stimulant herbs, to blends for better focus and good health.
Growshop
Another important thing that distinguishes smartshops from coffee shops is the sale of items for the purpose of growing cannabis. Smartshops often stock products specifically for the hobby and small-scale grower of cannabis. In the Netherlands it is tolerated to grow 5 cannabis plants per household without professional equipment. Besides selling a wide range of cannabis seeds, you can also find growing accessories. Ideal if you want to experiment with growing a cannabis plant yourself in a natural way.
Conclusion
While smartshops and coffeeshops may appear similar, they serve different purposes and offer distinct products. Understanding these differences can help visitors make informed choices based on their interests and needs.
