Amsterdam is known for its canals and red-light windows… but for many, it’s the legendary coffeeshops and their space cakes that leave the biggest impression. These cannabis-infused cakes have become an icon of the city. Once the trip is over, one question comes up again and again: can you bring them back to France? What does the law say? What are the risks? Let’s break it down clearly and without taboos.
The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. Behind that question are legal, health, and practical issues you need to understand before slipping a suspicious muffin into your suitcase. Here’s the reality — no drama, just facts.

Amsterdam space cakes: why bringing them back is tricky
At first glance, a space cake looks harmless. After all, it’s just a cake. But here’s the catch: the exact composition of a space cake is almost never clear.
In Amsterdam’s coffeeshops, space cakes are usually homemade or produced by small artisanal suppliers. Even if some display a rough dosage, proper lab testing is rare. THC levels can vary wildly from one cake to another — even within the same batch.
In France (and in most of Europe outside the Netherlands), the law is strict: any product containing more than 0.3% THC is considered a narcotic. And when it comes to a space cake, there’s no way to know if it contains 10 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg of THC.
Which means even a single space cake could contain enough THC to be illegal the moment you cross the border.
What French and European law says about transporting space cakes
In the Netherlands: tolerated locally, but not free to circulate
In the Netherlands, the sale of cannabis (and therefore space cakes) is tolerated under strict rules. Coffeeshops are allowed to sell small quantities to individuals, provided they follow clear guidelines. But this tolerance only applies on Dutch soil.
As soon as you leave the Netherlands, that tolerance ends.
In France: zero ambiguity
In France, the law is clear: any possession, import, or consumption of cannabis containing THC is prohibited, except under very specific medical authorizations.
The only exception is hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC, sold legally as flowers, edibles, oils, e-liquids, etc. But to be legal, the product must not only stay under that limit, it must also be traceable and lab tested. And that’s something an Amsterdam space cake can’t guarantee.
Border checks and customs risks
When leaving the Netherlands, whether by plane, train, or car, you may be subject to random checks at the border or once inside France:
- Sniffer dogs in airports and train stations are trained to detect cannabis in all forms — including food.
- If THC edibles are found, you could face penalties ranging from confiscation to criminal charges (fines, custody, criminal record).
- Even a “simple” cake in your bag can trigger legal action if analysis shows THC levels above 0.3%.
In short: the moment you cross the border, you leave Amsterdam’s tolerance zone and enter a far stricter legal framework.

The real risks if you’re caught
One of the most common mistakes tourists make is thinking that bringing back an edible as a souvenir isn’t a big deal. “It’s just a cake,” right? Unfortunately, that’s not how authorities see it.
Here are a few realistic scenarios:
- At Schiphol airport security, a random check finds something suspicious in your hand luggage.
- You drive back and get stopped during a routine roadside check in France.
- Customs perform a random bag search at Gare du Nord after your train from Amsterdam.
In each of these cases, if lab results show THC above the legal threshold, you’ll be charged with drug importation — even for a single slice of cake.
Common misconceptions you should avoid
Some people still think they can outsmart the law. Here are the myths to forget:
- “It’s just for personal use.” → In France, possession of narcotics is illegal no matter the reason.
- “I’ll put it in checked luggage.” → Checks cover all bags, including hold luggage.
- “One cake won’t matter.” → The law doesn’t care about quantity.
- “It’s legal there, so it’s legal here.” → False. Laws are national, not EU-wide.
Is there a legal alternative in France?
Luckily, there are now perfectly legal, safe alternatives that fully comply with French regulations. At SpaceCake.co, we’ve developed products that strictly respect the French THC limit of less than 0.3%.
Unlike artisanal Amsterdam bakes, our space cakes are made with full-spectrum hemp, with controlled dosing and lab testing to guarantee:
- Full ingredient traceability
- Precisely controlled cannabinoid levels
- A smooth, enjoyable, and consistent experience
- Safe, discreet home delivery
You get the relaxing effects you’re looking for — without the legal risk.
👉 Check out our legal space cakes available
Final word
Bringing space cakes from Amsterdam to France is a very bad idea legally. Not because the authorities want to ruin your fun, but because there’s no guarantee about what’s inside them. The fact that they may contain THC above the legal threshold is enough to make them illegal in France.
Instead of taking pointless risks, there are now safe, legal, lab-tested alternatives you can order right here. With our compliant space cakes, you get the experience — without worrying about borders, fines, or prosecution.