The coffeeshop; for most people around the world, this means one thing, a place to buy coffee and baked goods. However, for those lucky enough to live in the Netherlands, the word coffeeshop has a totally different meaning.

Yes, you guessed it, the so-called coffeeshop is an establishment found in the Netherlands where it is possible to buy small quantities of cannabis for personal consumption. As stoners tend to get a bit peckish after a puff or two, these coffeeshops do in fact most often also serve drinks and food, rather convenient indeed.

So, if you were to visit one of these coffee shops in the Netherlands, what sort of cannabis strains would you find and what are the most popular? Well, that’s exactly what we’re here to share today, as we take a closer look at the top ten weed strains in the Netherlands.

Is Cannabis Legal in the Netherlands?

Interestingly enough, these coffeeshops got their start thanks to illegal dealers, and this was the case hundreds of years ago.

Once the Dutch authorities had officially outlawed the sale and consumption of cannabis during the 1600s, illegal cannabis dealers started frequenting local coffee shops and bakeries, where they would disguise themselves and sell cannabis to the patrons.

Although the Dutch authorities did everything they could to stop this from occurring, it really didn’t put a dent in this coffee shop cannabis trade.

For this reason, in 1976, the Netherlands officially decriminalised cannabis for personal use. Although the rules around its sale and consumption are quite strict pertaining to these coffeeshops, they’re not nearly as strict as cannabis laws in most other countries.

Top 10 Cannabis Strains in the Netherlands

Alright, let’s get to it and discuss what the top 10 cannabis strains in Holland are!

1. White Choco

White Choco is a top weed strain in Holland’s coffee shops, and for good reason, as it produces enjoyable effects and tastes even better!

Genetics

White Choco is a cross between White Russian and Chocolope. White Russian is a balanced hybrid strain with a 21% THC level, a spicy and floral strain made by crossing White Widow with AK-47. 

We then have Chocolope, a sativa strain with a 22% THC level, along with a chocolatey and earthy flavour, made by crossing Cannalope Haze with Chocolate Thai. The result is White Choco, a balanced hybrid strain that leans slightly towards the sativa spectrum.

Potency – THC Content

White Choco features a THC level of about 19%, making it moderately potent. Most experienced cannabis connoisseurs would put it on the weaker end of the spectrum, making it ideal for light daytime use when you need something that won’t put you down for the count, at least in moderate quantities. Beginners however will still feel significantly high from this strain, as 19% THC is nothing to snub.

Appearance

White Choco consists of relatively small, dense, and thick buds that are most often tapered in shape, somewhat like a Christmas tree, as they’re wider at the bottom than at the top. You’ll notice a lot of light green, white trichomes, and light orange-coloured pistils. It might not look like white chocolate, but it certainly tastes great.

Flavour and Aroma

Thanks to its parent strains, White Choco has a very interesting flavour profile. It starts off with a spicy and sweet chocolate-like flavour on the inhale, and on the exhale, you’ll taste notes of earth, flowers, and coffee.

Effects

When consumed in small or moderate quantities, the sativa side of things seems to stick through. You’ll notice yourself feeling energetic, creative, and maybe even sexually aroused. It’s a good daytime strain if you don’t consume too much. However, if you consume more than about half a gram, you’ll notice the indica effects taking hold, as it can make you feel quite hungry, sleepy, and heavy.

2. Amnesia Haze

Next, we have Amnesia Haze, the winner of the 2004 Cannabis Cup and the 2012 Sativa Cup, making it by far one of the most popular strains in both the Netherlands and in many other countries.

Genetics

The genetics of Amnesia Haze are very interesting, as it is a moderately potent sativa strain. It is somewhat of a mystery where it comes from, as its genetics lead back to both Jamaican and South Asian landrace strains, although exactly which ones remain unknown.

Potency – THC Content

Amnesia Haze is another middle-of-the-line strain with an average THC content of 19%. It’s certainly more than enough for beginners to achieve a notable buzz, particularly a cerebral buzz, while experienced veterans could likely consume a good deal of this strain without any negative side effects. Yes, 19% is still more than strong enough for experienced smokers to get high, but it’s also more than manageable.

Appearance

Amnesia Haze has a really neat appearance, as the buds are often very elongated, yet also cylindrical or rectangularly shaped. They’re usually quite thick, dense, and heavy. As for colours, here you’ll generally notice a lot of light green, combined with an extra-thick layer of white crystals, and a sparse layer of orange hairs.

Flavour and Aroma

Amnesia Haze features a complex bouquet of flavours that starts off with a super herbal overtone, along with an extremely strong citrusy aftertaste, mainly characterised by lemon and lime. You may also notice slight spiciness on the exhale.

Effects

This is one of the purest sativa cannabis strains you can find, and you can expect the effects to be in line with this. You should feel notably energetic, uplifted, creative, giggly, and talkative. It’s one of those great daytime strains that uplifts you and makes you feel like you want to socialise with everyone around you. It certainly won’t put you to sleep.

3. Super Silver Haze

Super Silver Haze is another highly popular cannabis strain in coffeeshops across Holland, and it’s quite popular in the U.S. as well. In fact, it won first-place spots at the High Times Cannabis Cup from 1997 to 1999.

Genetics

Super Silver Haze is a three-way cross between Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze. Skunk is a hybrid strain with a relatively low THC level of 17%, and it has an extremely potent and skunky aroma. 

Northern Lights is a relatively light indica strain with a THC level of roughly 18%, along with euphoric effects, and a sweet, spicy, and pungent flavour profile. 

We then have Haze, another popular sativa strain with about 18% THC, uplifting effects, and a spicy, citrusy, and earthy taste. The result is a sativa-dominant strain, Super Silver Haze.

Potency – THC Content

Super Silver Haze contains anywhere between 20% and 22% THC, with 21% THC being the average. This does make it one of the stronger strains as far as popular Netherlands weed goes. With that much THC, anyone who isn’t a hardened veteran of cannabis smoking will likely feel a strong sativa buzz.

Appearance

Super Silver Haze features very interesting-looking buds, ones that are often wider at the top than they are at the bottom. They also tend to be fairly light and airy, as sativas usually are. They’re also very vibrant, with many hues and shades of green, combined with a select few orange hairs, and an extra-thick helping of those juicy white trichomes laden with THC.

Flavour and Aroma

Thanks to the various terpenes that this strain contains, you can expect the dominant flavour to resemble a variety of herbs and spices. It is then followed by a strong skunky punch, and a citrusy aftertaste.

Effects

This is another fantastic strain if you need something to keep you awake, energised, and uplifted during the day. Most say that it is particularly ideal for creative purposes, as it really gets your brain juices flowing. It’s not something that will put you to sleep, which also makes it ideal for daytime use when you need to feel a cerebral buzz without being knocked out.

4. Tangilope

If you’re looking for an extremely light sativa strain that is ideal for daytime use and doesn’t contain all too much THC, Tangilope is a great option to consider, one that’s been a staple in Amsterdam coffeeshops for years.

Genetics

Tangilope is a great sativa strain made by crossing Tangie and Chocolope, both strains developed by DNA Genetics. Tangie is a light sativa strain with roughly 17% THC, with itself being a mix between California Orange and Skunk-1, and as you can imagine, it has a very citrusy flavour profile. 

We then have Chocolope, another sativa strain, with this one containing a respectable 22% THC, along with flavours resembling chocolate, coffee, and earth. It is a cross between Cannalope Haze and Chocolate Thai.

Potency – THC Content

What many people appreciate about this cannabis strain is that it contains on average only 14% THC, making it notably weaker than anything else on our list today. 14% THC is not a whole lot, and even beginners may find it on the weaker side. 

However, it’s a great strain if you plan on being social, you need energy for the daytime, and you don’t want to be overly intoxicated. It gets a light buzz going, but nothing too serious.

Appearance

Tangilope has a unique look, as it is almost whiter than it is green. The buds feature a very light and airy appearance, along with irregular shapes. 

You’ll notice that the buds, particularly what should be the greenery, are generally whiter than anything else, which looks very interesting when combined with a layer of white trichomes and orange pistils. The colour contrast here is amazing.

Flavour and Aroma

If you’re into the culinary world, then you’ll certainly like the Tangilope strain, with the reason being that it features a mix of chocolate and citrus, particularly orange, as its main flavour. On the exhale, you’ll notice a variety of tropical notes as well.

Effects

Many people enjoy this light sativa strain, as it produces a euphoric and uplifting effect that also makes you feel energetic, talkative, and giggly. However, remember that it isn’t overly potent, so even the cerebral high that it produces isn’t too strong. It’s the perfect daytime coffee shop strain when a good conversation is called for.

5. Laughing Buddha

Here we have Laughing Buddha, one of the more potent sativa strains on the list today, which also happens to be the 2003 High Times Cannabis Cup winner.

Genetics

Laughing Buddha is a sativa strain, one that is a cross between a variety of Jamaican and Thai landrace strains, although exactly which ones these are remain unknown. We always like a good mystery!

Potency – THC Content

In terms of its overall potency, you can expect this strain to contain anywhere between 21% and 23% THC, with 22% being the average. It is therefore a fairly potent strain, and beginners should exercise a bit of caution with it. Due to it being a high-THC sativa, it may cause a bit of paranoia for inexperienced smokers. More seasoned connoisseurs however should find the THC level rather enjoyable.

Appearance

Laughing Buddha is characterised by small and spherical or circular buds, which tend to be quite light and airy in nature, as most sativas tend to be. Furthermore, you can expect these buds to feature a good mix between moderately light green, orange pistils, and a rather healthy helping of white trichomes, where all of that awesome THC is contained.

Flavour and Aroma

Laughing Buddha is rather enjoyable in terms of its overall flavour, especially if you like naturally tasting cannabis. Right from the beginning, you’ll notice a strong spicy and herbal flavour, with many people saying that it tastes like sage. You’ll also notice hints of tea and general earthiness.

Effects

This potent sativa strain will hit you hard right from the first puff, and you should feel extremely energetic, uplifted, giggly and talkative. It’s the kind of strain that you smoke with your friends and end up laughing for hours on end about absolutely nothing. It may also make you feel a bit hungry, but it certainly won’t knock you out like an indica will.

6. Sour Strawberry Diesel

If you are looking for a weed strain that the Dutch love, Sour Strawberry Diesel can’t be ignored, a fruity and pungent strain that’s always worth talking about.

Genetics

Sour Strawberry Diesel is a balanced hybrid that is made by crossing Turbo Diesel with Sour Strawberry. Sour Strawberry is a hybrid strain with roughly 15% THC, and as you can tell, features notes of citrus. It is a cross between Strawberry Cough, Razz, East Coast Sour Diesel, and Sour Bubble. 

Turbo Diesel is another hybrid, with this one having roughly 19% THC, and as you can probably tell, Sour Diesel is one of its parent strains. You can expect diesel to be at the forefront here.

Potency – THC Content

Sour Strawberry Diesel is another fairly potent strain, with THC levels ranging anywhere from 21% to 24%. Beginners should therefore exercise just a little bit of caution with it, as the high-THC nature of it may cause a little bit of paranoia in those who don’t have a high tolerance level. However, those who are seasoned should find it perfectly enjoyable, as it produces quite a strong cerebral buzz.

Appearance

As for the appearance, this is certainly one of the more colourful strains on our list today. The exterior is characterised by a variety of colours including dark and light purple, a variety of green hues, light and dark orange pistils, and an extremely thick layer of white crystals that are absolutely filled to the brim with THC.

Flavour and Aroma

As you might be able to tell by the name of it, there are three main flavours that you get with this strain; sour citrus, strawberry, and pungent diesel. Thanks to its parent strains, it’s that fuel-like and diesel flavour that really comes through more than anything else. It’s also a little bit sweet on the exhale.

Effects

You can expect this potent sativa strain to produce a very strong cerebral buzz that is creative, energetic, and uplifting in nature. As long as you have a high THC tolerance, it’s a great daytime strain that will put a bit of a pep in your step. Many people also report feeling extremely euphoric, happy, and mentally relaxed.

7. Green Gelato

Green Gelato is one of the few indica-dominant hybrid strains on our list today, and it’s quite popular in the Netherlands, although it technically originates from Maryland, USA.

Genetics

Green Gelato is a cross between Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Sunset Sherbert. Thin Mint is a sub-type of Girl Scout Cookies, a hybrid strain with roughly 20% THC, along with a sweet and minty flavour. We then have Sunset Sherbert, a cross between Pink Panties and Girl Scout Cookies, with an average THC level of around 18%, and a delectably sweet and tropical flavour.

Potency – THC Content

Green Gelato contains upwards of 20% THC, making it moderately potent. However, it should be more than fine for beginners, because it is indica-dominant, so it should be less likely to cause paranoia or anxiety, like some of the stronger sativa strains on the list today. It should be ideal for most people, especially for those who need to relax, both mentally and bodily.

Appearance

What is very interesting about this strain is that just like the name implies, it is indeed very green. The exterior of these buds features a forest green colour with barely any other discernible colours or hues. It might feature a few orange pistils, and if you look close enough, it does have white crystals, but that said, this is one of the greenest strains we’ve ever seen.

Flavour and Aroma

If you like sweet flavours, then this strain is certainly for you. Just some of the flavours that connoisseurs will be able to pick out here include grape, citrus, mint, honey, and a bit of nuttiness on the exhale.

Effects

Being an indica-dominant hybrid means that you should feel both a cerebral and body high. If you consume just a little bit, the cerebral high from the sativa side of things is more likely to take hold, as you might feel a bit aroused, energetic, and euphoric. However, this soon gives way to the indica side of things, especially if you consume a good deal of it. You’ll probably start feeling heavy in the limbs, a bit tingly, hungry, and sleepy.

8. Amazing Haze

Amazing Haze was first bred in 2006, and ever since then, it has become extremely popular in many parts of the world, with the Netherlands of course being one of them. It’s a very fragrant and resinous type of cannabis.

Genetics

Amazing Haze is a sativa-dominant strain, a cross between two other very popular strains, with one of them, Amnesia Haze, being covered earlier on our list today. The other parent strain is known as Caramella, a slightly indica-dominant hybrid with high THC levels and a super earthy and lemony flavour.

Potency – THC Content

You can expect Amazing Haze to contain well over 21% THC, and up to 23% in some cases, making it one of the strongest strains on our list today. Thanks to this, we recommend that beginners go very easy on it, with just a couple of puffs being more than enough to get you sky high. Even seasoned cannabis veterans may find it too strong to consume in high quantities.

Appearance

We would say that this is one of the more beautiful-looking nugs out there. It’s just so bright and green, characterised by a variety of light and moderate greens, and one of the thickest layers of white crystals you’ve ever seen, which is where all of that delectable THC is found.

Flavour and Aroma

There are two distinct flavours that you’ll get when smoking this strain, with earthiness and citrus, particularly lemon, being at the forefront. You may also notice a bit of a pungent flavour as well.

Effects

Due to being sativa-dominant, you can expect the main effects to be cerebral in nature. You should feel happy, euphoric, mentally relaxed, giggly, and talkative. However, remember that it is still about 40% indica, so if you consume a good deal of it, you might notice yourself feeling tingly in the limbs, heavy like you’re sinking into the couch, very bodily relaxed, and tired too.

9. C5 Pioneer

Straight from Coffeeshop Amsterdam, we have C5 Pioneer, a cannabis strain that has taken Holland by storm.

Genetics

Unfortunately, besides C5 Pioneer being a sativa-dominant strain, there’s not much that we can share about its lineage, as the breeders have done everything in their power to keep it a mystery. Although, we have it on good authority that Tangie may be one of the parent strains.

Potency – THC Content

C5 Pioneer, depending on how it is grown, can vary greatly in potency, anywhere from 15% to well over 20%. Therefore, if you find one that’s on the lower end of the spectrum, then it should be more than ideal for first-time smokers, whereas those specimens on the higher end of the spectrum are best reserved for those with a higher THC tolerance.

Appearance

C5 Pioneer tends to have small, rounded, thick, and dense buds. They are usually quite dark green in colour, accented by some light green leaves, as well as a few purple sugar leaves.  You’ll also notice an abundance of amber pistils, and a healthy layer of crystals on the outside, giving it a bit of a frosty-white appearance.

Flavour and Aroma

Those who are lucky enough to find this very rare strain will immediately taste the zesty and citrusy flavour of oranges and lemons. There’s a bit of creaminess too, along with fruitiness characterised by sour berries and grapes. It’s a very strong and pungent flavour that most people say is very enjoyable, especially if you like fruit.

Effects

C5 Pioneer Is a very cerebral strain. It’s a good daytime strain, as it won’t put you to sleep, but instead should make you feel rather energetic and thoughtful. It’s a thinker, by which we mean that it will get your creativity and thought process flowing. It’s quite uplifting in nature, and it’s ideal for those who need to get stuff done, but still want a good buzz.

10. Watermelon Zkittlez

Watermelon Zkittlez, yet another top Dutch weed strain, is officially the strongest on the list today, and certainly not for the faint of heart.

Genetics

Watermelon Zkittlez is an indica strain, one made by crossing Zkittlez and Watermelon. 

Zkittlez is an indica-dominant hybrid, with itself being a cross between Grapefruit, Grape Ape, and a strain that remains a mystery to this day. It has a very sweet and tropical flavour, along with a moderately high 20% THC level. 

We then have Watermelon, an indica strain with high THC levels, with its parent strains also being a mystery. As you could expect based on its name, it’s quite sweet as well.

Potency – THC Content

You can expect this cannabis strain to contain upwards of 24% THC, with some specimens ranging up to 26% THC, therefore making it the strongest strain on our list today. Even for seasoned veterans just a couple of puffs should be more than enough to get you sky high. Beginners should therefore exercise a great deal of caution with it.

Appearance

As indica strains tend to be, here you get small, thick, dense, and compact nugs. They’re not light and airy like sativa strains. You’ll also notice that this strain features a variety of green shades, along with an abundance of orange pistils, and one of the thickest and snowiest layers of trichomes you’ve ever seen, almost like a ski hill.

Flavour and Aroma

As for the flavour and aroma, here you’ll notice a strong, fruity overtone that is very tropical in nature. It most certainly tastes like candy, and that’s something that a lot of people enjoy.

Effects

In terms of its effects, this is a classic indica strain. Moreover, thanks to its high potency, it also hits very hard and fast. You can expect a strong body high, characterised by feeling both bodily and mentally relaxed, tingly, heavy, hungry, and extremely sedated.

This is certainly not the kind of strain that you should consume during the daytime, especially if you still have tasks left to be accomplished. However, if you need something to help put you to sleep, then Watermelon Zkittlez is rather perfect.

How to Choose the Best Cannabis Strain

Choosing the best cannabis strain doesn’t have to be difficult, as long as you know what you’re looking for. Several factors such as the desired effects, the potency compared to your tolerance level, and the aroma and flavour of the cannabis in question should all be considered. Take a look at this in-depth guide on how to choose the best cannabis strain to learn more. 

The Bottom Line

As a pioneer in cannabis, Holland is currently one of the go-to destinations to experience cannabis and its culture. 

When all is said and done, the Netherlands is home to some of the most diverse and popular cannabis strains in the world. 

There are over 500 coffeeshops in the Netherlands with a third of them in Amsterdam. If you ever get a chance to visit one of these establishments, we certainly recommend trying any one of the strains discussed here today.