Visiting Amsterdam: nitrous oxide, the law and staying safe

Five things to know

1. 01

   It’s banned

   Since 1 January 2023, possessing, selling or transporting nitrous oxide for recreational use is illegal, and Amsterdam’s bylaws also ban using it. Read the law.

2. 02

   It applies to you

   Dutch law applies to everyone in the country, whatever is allowed at home.

3. 03

   Street balloons are illegal

   Anyone selling balloons in the street or at a party is breaking the law.

4. 04

   It’s not harmless

   There is no safe limit; risks range from fainting and frostbite to nerve damage. Health risks.

5. 05

   Cylinders are hazardous waste

   Never bin them. What to do.

But isn’t Amsterdam tolerant about drugs?

The Netherlands tolerates the sale of small amounts of cannabis in licensed coffeeshops under strict conditions. That policy does not extend to nitrous oxide. Its listing on the same Opium Act list as cannabis does not mean it is sold or tolerated in the same way.

Help and emergencies

Emergency

112 — police, ambulance, fire

Police (non-emergency)

0900-8844

Medical, non-urgent

Out-of-hours GP service (huisartsenpost) or a hospital emergency department