3 min read
Cecily Grace Morgan
Generally, yes. Recreational cannabis is illegal, with coffee shops for residents tolerated rather than licensed. However, you can usually take medical cannabis to the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, but you’ll need a travel certificate and you should contact the Dutch embassy or customs for confirmation.
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According to the Dutch government it's against the law to possess, sell or produce drugs in the Netherlands, including cannabis. Coffee shops are tolerated rather than licensed, and the Dutch Public Prosecution Service doesn’t prosecute members of the public for possessing small amounts of soft drugs. This means no more than 5 grams of cannabis or no more than 5 cannabis plants.
Since 2025 there's a trial of regulated supply in 10 municipalities, and in Breda, Heerlen and Maastricht coffee shops must refuse anyone who doesn't live in the Netherlands.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office also advises that smoking soft drugs in public spaces is illegal in the Netherlands in its travel advice for UK citizens.
According to the Dutch government, medical cannabis falls under the Opium Act, which means patients require a travel certificate to take it into the country, and the certificate you need will depend on the country you’re coming from. So you should be able to take your medical cannabis into the Netherlands, but we urge you to contact the Dutch embassy or Customs before travelling and get the answer in writing.
If you get written confirmation and travel to the Netherlands with your prescription, we advise that you carry a travel certificate and passport at all times and keep medicines in the original packaging and in your hand luggage if you're going to the Netherlands or changing planes there.
Releaf patients can request a travel letter, which serves as a travel certificate, via the Patient Dashboard, and should contact patient support if they have any issues.
If you have any questions or want to double-check anything before travelling to the Netherlands with your medical cannabis, you can contact the Dutch embassy or Customs.
Amsterdam Schiphol is one of Europe’s busiest airports, with many international travellers changing planes there. Even if you won’t be leaving the airport, it’s important that you follow Dutch rules if you’re flying into the country with medical cannabis, so keep your travel letter close to hand and make sure your prescription is in its original packaging.
If you’re a Releaf patient planning a holiday to the Netherlands, you can request a travel certificate through the Patient Dashboard and our team will make every effort to have it ready for you within 48 hours, although this is not guaranteed.
Head to the Patient Dashboard, click the Personal tab, then click View Travelling Info. You can download it straight from here or order a printed copy. Please note that a travel letter doesn’t grant permission to take medical cannabis into another country.
If you have any issues or questions about travelling to the Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe with medical cannabis, you can reach out to the patient support team. You might also like to read more about countries that are “ medical cannabis-friendly”.
According to the FCDO, smoking soft drugs is illegal public places in the Netherlands. Although medical cannabis isn’t specifically mentioned, please avoid using it in public and double-check individual regulations before using it at your accommodation.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
Cannabis is illegal in Cyprus, but the Pharmaceutical Services states that medical cannabis patients can get a permit for taking their medication into the country. However, you should double-check with them and the High Commission before booking a trip.
No, you can’t. Recreational cannabis is illegal in Thailand and those caught with it can face imprisonment and heavy fines. Since June 2025, cannabis is only legal in Thailand with a Thai prescription, so UK medical cannabis prescriptions aren’t valid. Another bill was approved by the Thai cabinet in September 2026 to further tighten cannabis laws.
Generally, yes. Recreational cannabis is illegal, with coffee shops for residents tolerated rather than licensed. However, you can usually take medical cannabis to the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, but you’ll need a travel certificate and you should contact the Dutch embassy or customs for confirmation.
"Since starting my treatment plan with Releaf, I’m genuinely shocked at how well it has worked."Chloe Durrington, Releaf patient
