Cannabis and traffic in the Netherlands

Cycling counts

Dutch law refers to drivers of vehicles, and that includes bicycles and scooters. In a country where cycling is the default way to get around, this matters. Renting a bike after visiting a coffeeshop is not a legal workaround.

Detection outlasts the effect

There is a legal limit for THC in the blood. Exceed it and you are committing an offence, even if you no longer feel affected.

THC is stored in fatty tissue and leaves the body slowly. After occasional use it is typically detectable for several days; with regular use, for weeks. That does not mean the effect lasts that long, but it does mean that feeling fine and being under the limit are two different things.

Combined with alcohol

A stricter combined limit applies when both have been used, because the effects reinforce one another.

How enforcement works

Police may carry out a saliva test at the roadside. If positive, a blood test usually follows and serves as evidence. Officers can also initiate an assessment based on observed behaviour.

Consequences

These can include a fine, an immediate ban on continuing to drive, withdrawal of driving rights, and a referral to the licensing authority. If an accident occurs, the consequences are considerably more serious, including with your insurer.

Practical advice

Plan around it. Do not drive the same day. With edibles this applies even more strongly, since the effect lasts four to eight hours with after-effects beyond that. Use public transport. In the Netherlands it is usually the easier option anyway.