Space Cake in Amsterdam: What You Need to Know

Ah, Amsterdam… Its canals, its bikes, its museums… and of course, its famous space cakes. These cannabis-infused cakes are almost part of the city’s tourist heritage. But beware: they’re not just simple treats. Behind their innocent muffin-like appearance lie powerful and long-lasting effects that can catch unprepared visitors off guard.

In this article, we’ll give you a complete, honest, no-nonsense guide to space cakes in Amsterdam. What types are there? Where can you buy them? What are the real effects? Is it really legal? Follow this guide before taking a bite.

But be careful: if you’re thinking of bringing some back to France, you’d better know the rules first.
👉 Can you bring space cakes back from Amsterdam?

What Exactly Is a Space Cake?

A space cake is simply a cannabis-infused edible. THC (or sometimes CBD) is infused into a fat source (like butter or oil) and then mixed into cake batter.

In Amsterdam, space cakes come in several forms:

• Soft muffins (chocolate, vanilla, etc.)
• Dense, fudgy brownies
• Cookies, candies, and other edibles

💡 Unlike a joint, a space cake must be digested: the high takes longer to kick in, but it’s stronger and lasts longer.

The Different Types of Space Cakes Available in Amsterdam

THC Space Cake (the classic)

This is the most common type. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. It produces the effects people usually seek: euphoria, laughter, relaxation, sometimes drowsiness. Space cakes sold in coffeeshops usually contain between 30 and 80 mg of THC.

➡️ For beginners, 10 to 20 mg is more than enough. Yes, even if the cake looks small or you don’t feel anything after 30 minutes.

CBD Space Cake

Increasingly popular, especially in wellness shops or online. CBD (cannabidiol) is not psychoactive, but it promotes relaxation, sleep, and muscle recovery. It’s 100% legal throughout Europe.

Perfect if you want to try the taste, texture, and experience without getting high.

High-Dose Space Cakes (for experienced users only)

Some shops proudly advertise their “strong” or “extra strong” space cakes. Be careful: the concentration can reach 120 mg of THC or more. If you’re not an experienced consumer, avoid them or share with friends.

Where to Buy Space Cake in Amsterdam? 5 Tested and Approved Coffeeshops

Not every coffeeshop in Amsterdam sells space cakes, but those that do know exactly what tourists (and curious regulars) are looking for: an experience, not just a cake.

So I visited a few well-known establishments to see what they had to offer… or rather, what they had behind the counter.

1. Paradox Coffeeshop – Jordaan’s Hidden Gem

Tucked away in a small street in the Jordaan district, Paradox doesn’t look like much from the outside. But once inside, it feels like a true local coffeeshop: relaxed vibe, no noisy tourist crowds, laid-back clientele, friendly staff.

Their chocolate-hazelnut space cake is deliciously moist, with a well-balanced dose for a gradual effect. Perfect for an evening stroll through the neighborhood’s narrow streets.

🧁 My tip: start with one third and wait an hour. Smooth, not overwhelming.

Visit Paradox’s official website

2. Boerejongens – Dutch Cannabis Elegance

Boerejongens is the opposite of your typical coffeeshop cliché. Everything is stylish, clean, and organized, like a luxury boutique for cannabis. The staff, dressed in vests and white shirts, welcome you with a smile and offer advice without judgment.

Their almond space cake is visually flawless, and the packaging clearly indicates the THC dosage. It’s one of the few places where I’ve seen such precision.

👌 Recommended for beginners who want a safe and reassuring experience.

Visit Boerejongens’ official website

3. Grey Area – The Cult Spot for Connoisseurs

A tiny shop, always packed, with hip-hop music, graffiti-covered walls, and a line spilling out the door. Welcome to Grey Area, a true downtown institution.

Their space cake is not for beginners: ultra potent, dense, with a chocolaty taste that barely hides the THC’s strength. The staff warns: “Start with half… seriously.”

🔥 For experienced consumers only. Otherwise, it can quickly turn into a bad trip.

Visit Grey Area’s official website

4. The Bulldog – The Tourist Giant (but Convenient)

Located right in the city center, The Bulldog is a must for tourists. The place is huge, busy, almost industrial. Their space cakes are sold pre-packaged at the counter, often with a standardized taste. The advantage is easy access and guidance.

The staff are used to dealing with first-timers and take time to explain the effects, dosage, and precautions.

🧠 Great if it’s your first time, but not the best culinary experience.

Visit The Bulldog’s official website

5. Abraxas – The Magical Coffeeshop Near Dam Square

If you love mystical, bohemian vibes, head to Abraxas, hidden in a small alley near Dam Square. With carved wooden decor, dim lighting, and incense aromas, it feels nothing like the industrial spots.

Their dark chocolate space cake is light and well-dosed, perfect for chilling, listening to music, or strolling through Amsterdam’s streets. The staff are cool and welcoming.

🌿 The perfect place for a gentle experience, without excess or stress.

Visit Abraxas’ official website

How Long Do Space Cake Effects Last?

This is the big question everyone asks before taking a bite: how long does it last? And most importantly: when does it start working?

Let’s be clear: a space cake doesn’t work like a joint. And that’s exactly where many people get caught off guard.

🌡️ Onset of Effects: Slow but Powerful

After eating, the effects usually take 30 minutes to 2 hours to appear. Yes, you read that right: up to two hours. That’s because, unlike inhalation where THC enters the bloodstream almost instantly via the lungs, here it must go through the digestive system and be metabolized by the liver.

And when it hits… it can strike all at once.

🍽️ If you’re on an empty stomach, the effect will come faster and stronger. If you’ve eaten, it will be slower and more gradual.

🧠 Tip: have a light meal beforehand to stabilize absorption.

⚠️ Beginner’s Mistake: Eating More Too Soon

This is probably the most common mistake tourists make: not feeling the effects after 30 minutes… and thinking, “Well, I’ll just have another piece, nothing’s happening.”

Big mistake.

Since the onset is slow, you risk ending up with a double dose hitting you all at once. Result: an intense high, loss of bearings, and sometimes a hot flush that completely ruins the experience.

🔁 Golden rule: eat just one portion (a quarter or half of a cake), then wait at least 2 hours before deciding if you want more. Not before.

Space Cake in Amsterdam: Is It Legal?

Dutch Legislation in Brief

In the Netherlands, cannabis consumption is tolerated, not exactly legal.

• Coffeeshops are authorized to sell small amounts of cannabis under strict conditions
• Edible cannabis (space cake) is allowed in these establishments
• You’re not allowed to buy more than 5 grams per person
• Consuming in public spaces is prohibited, with few exceptions

➡️ Buying a space cake in an Amsterdam coffeeshop and eating it at home or in a private place = tolerated

Precautions Before Eating a Space Cake

Even if you’re curious, even if your friend says, “Come on, don’t worry”… stay cautious.

Before Taking It:

• Eat something: don’t take it on an empty stomach
• Stay hydrated
• Prepare a place where you can relax for several hours

During:

• Never mix with alcohol or other substances
• If you feel unwell: stay calm, breathe, and isolate yourself in a cool, quiet place where you can lie down.
• Sugar, water, and soft music can really help.

After:

• The effects gradually fade
• You may feel tired, even a bit confused
• Avoid driving or making important decisions

The Space Cake Experience in Amsterdam: What People Really Say

When it comes to space cakes, you’ll find thousands of opinions online, but very few stories told with sincerity, nuance, and context. So during my time in Amsterdam, between strolls through the city’s narrow streets, I spoke with several people: tourists trying for the first time, regulars who come back every year, and even locals with strong opinions on the subject.

What I heard was sometimes funny, sometimes scary, but always insightful.

Julien, 28 – Toulouse – First “Guided” Experience

“I went to Boerejongens because I’d heard they were professional. The guy at the counter told me: ‘eat a quarter and see what happens.’ Honestly, I thought it was too small… but I followed his advice. An hour later, I was walking through the streets, and everything was hilarious. I burst out laughing at a pigeon. Pure fun. Not overwhelming, just… nice.”

Julien did everything right: small portion, serious coffeeshop, good vibe around him. Result: a successful first experience, one he plans to repeat… but not right away.

Sophie, 34 – Lyon – Blissfully Happy in Amsterdam’s Streets

“It was my first space cake. I was in Amsterdam with my partner, romantic and chill weekend vibes. We bought a small cake in a coffeeshop, I ate a piece, and then we went walking through the streets. Honestly, at first, nothing. I was almost disappointed…

Then, after a while, everything seemed incredibly beautiful. The cobblestones, the bikes, even the ducks made me laugh. I spent ten minutes staring at a cheese shop window like it was a work of art. My boyfriend said I was smiling to myself while walking. It was light, a bit trippy, but really enjoyable!”

Sophie’s not the only one who’s had this kind of experience. Many assume space cake works like a joint… but it doesn’t. Here, the high takes its time — and when it comes, it can be a real rollercoaster. Moral of the story: take it slow, savor it, and let the magic unfold.

Ali, 25 – Strasbourg – Choosing CBD, No Regrets

“I wanted to try but was too afraid of feeling bad. So I bought a CBD space cake in a shop near Dam Square. Honestly? It was great. I felt myself relaxing little by little. No euphoria, no craziness, just calm. I walked along the canals for an hour, listened to music, and felt good. I didn’t need anything more.”

More and more visitors are opting for a gentle experience, without THC, to enjoy the vibe without diving into a trip. CBD appeals because of its stability: no sudden highs, no harsh comedowns.

Martijn, 38 – Amsterdam – The Disenchanted (but Clear-Eyed) Local

“Honestly, space cakes aren’t for impatient people. Tourists think it’s like a beer or a shot. But it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The problem isn’t the product, it’s the people who want instant effects. Want a good trip? Eat a piece, go chill in Vondelpark with an orange juice and a podcast. And wait. That’s it.”

Locals often have a more down-to-earth perspective. Martijn has seen hundreds of overconfident tourists end up panicked or unwell. His message is simple: the experience is beautiful if you respect it.

Anna and Tom, Belgian Couple – A Mistake Together, but a Good Lesson

“We each had a muffin. At first it was funny, then weird. At one point, we felt like we couldn’t move. Tom wanted to go to the bathroom, but he sat down and said he was waiting for ‘the floor to become more stable.’ We ended up sleeping for three hours at the hotel in the middle of the afternoon. The next day, we laughed about it, but at the time, it was a bit scary.”

A very classic testimony: poor dose management, but fortunately in a safe environment. They managed to laugh about it afterwards, and maybe that’s what matters most.

FAQ: Space Cake Amsterdam

Do all coffeeshops sell space cakes?

No, but most of them do. The more established ones often display them in the window or list them on the menu at the entrance.

Is it risky to eat a space cake without experience?

Not “dangerous” in the way alcohol can be, but the effects can be very intense. Start small, wait, don’t panic, and stay in a safe environment.

Can you buy a space cake online?

The real THC space cakes, like the ones found in Amsterdam coffeeshops, are not legally available online in their classic version. But that was before.

Today, there’s a much clearer, traceable, and controlled alternative: our THC-infused cones, fully legal in Europe (less than 0.3% THC), compliant with current regulations, and available for delivery straight to your door.

🎯 Our cones offer:

• The same relaxing promise as Amsterdam’s space cakes
• A precise formulation, made from full-spectrum hemp and lab-tested
• A refined taste, a gentle, gradual effect, and perfectly controlled quality

👉 Discover Our Space Cake