Cameron Miranda
Colorado and Amsterdam are known for their marijuana laws, with Colorado even being dubbed the 'New Amsterdam'. While both places have legalised the purchase and possession of marijuana, there are some key differences. For example, in Colorado, adults over the age of 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants in a private location, whereas in Amsterdam, residents are not permitted to grow marijuana, and possession of any amount is technically illegal, although individuals over the age of 18 found with up to five grams are generally not prosecuted. In addition to marijuana laws, Colorado has its own unique set of state laws, such as a ban on automobile sales on Sundays and an upcoming ban on certain semi-automatic firearms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cannabis Legalization | In Colorado, the purchase and possession of up to one ounce of cannabis was legalized in 2012 for adults 21 and older. In Amsterdam, cannabis is not legal, but possession of up to 5 grams is generally tolerated for those 18 and older. |
| Cannabis Consumption | In Colorado, cannabis consumption in public and open spaces is illegal. In Amsterdam, there are over 150 coffee shops where individuals can purchase and consume cannabis in a relaxed and social setting. |
| Cannabis Cultivation | In Colorado, adults are allowed to grow up to six marijuana plants with a maximum of three flowering plants at home. In Amsterdam, residents are not permitted to grow marijuana. |
| Cannabis Packaging | Colorado is known for its fancy packaging, while Amsterdam offers a more old-school experience with pressed hash. |
| Cannabis Quality | Colorado is known for its high-quality cannabis, while the quality in Amsterdam is generally considered lower to mid-shelf. |
| Cannabis Pricing | Amsterdam has seen an annual increase in cannabis prices, with premium-grade weed costing around $20 per gram. Colorado is known for offering high-quality cannabis at lower prices. |
| Gun Laws | Colorado has passed a law banning the manufacture, sale, and purchase of semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines, effective August 2026. This includes commonly used firearms like AR-15s, Glocks, and other semiautomatic handguns. |
| Vehicle Sales on Sundays | In Colorado, it is illegal to sell automobiles on Sundays, although car accessories and tires can be purchased. |
| Dandelion Height | In Pueblo, Colorado, it is illegal for residents to keep dandelions on their property taller than ten inches. |
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What You'll Learn
- Colorado's constitution is subordinate to the US Constitution, whereas Amsterdam is subject to Dutch law
- Colorado counties can adopt and enforce health, safety, and welfare ordinances, whereas Amsterdam is governed by Dutch municipalities
- Colorado has unique laws, like banning auto sales on Sundays, whereas Amsterdam has no such bans
- Colorado has a unique 'red flag' law that allows gun confiscation, Amsterdam has strict gun control but no such law
- Colorado's Boulder City has a unique 'Fighting Words' ordinance, Amsterdam has no such unique local laws
Colorado's constitution is subordinate to the US Constitution, whereas Amsterdam is subject to Dutch law
The Constitution of the State of Colorado is the foundation of the laws and government of the state of Colorado. It was drafted on March 14, 1876, and approved by Colorado voters on July 1, 1876. It has been amended several times since then, with the most recent amendment in 2018 relating to congressional apportionment at state and federal levels. The Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) are the codified general and permanent statutes of the Colorado General Assembly. The Session Laws are the collection of statutes enacted by the Colorado General Assembly during a single legislative session.
Colorado's constitution is subordinate to the US Constitution, which is the supreme law of the US. Federal laws include statutes periodically codified in the US Code, decisions by courts that interpret federal laws, and regulations issued by federal administrative agencies to implement federal laws.
On the other hand, Amsterdam is subject to Dutch law, which uses civil law as its primary system. The Dutch law system is based on the French Civil Code with some influence from Roman-Dutch law and pre-codal customary law. The German Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch heavily influenced the new Civil Code, which came into force in 1992. The primary law-making body is formed by the Dutch parliament in cooperation with the government, operating jointly to create laws that are commonly referred to as the legislature. The power to make new laws can be delegated to lower governments or specific organs of the state for a prescribed purpose.
While Amsterdam is subject to Dutch law, it also has some unique policies. For example, Amsterdam has a more tolerant approach to recreational drug use than many other cities, although there have been some reversals in recent years, such as the ban on magic mushrooms in 2008 and the closure of 26 coffeeshops selling cannabis between 2012 and 2015.
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Colorado counties can adopt and enforce health, safety, and welfare ordinances, whereas Amsterdam is governed by Dutch municipalities
The state of Colorado has its own set of laws, which include the Colorado Constitution, laws passed by the Colorado legislature, and decisions by courts that interpret Colorado laws. Counties in Colorado have the power to adopt and enforce ordinances related to health, safety, and welfare. This means that local governments within the state have a degree of autonomy to create regulations that specifically address the needs and concerns of their communities.
On the other hand, Amsterdam is governed as a municipality under the Dutch Municipalities Act. This means that its governance structure differs from that of Colorado counties. Amsterdam's highest governing body is the city council, which consists of 45 elected representatives serving four-year terms. The city council determines the general policies of the city and oversees the implementation of municipal policy by the municipal executive board.
The municipal executive board, or college van burgemeester en wethouders, includes the mayor (burgemeester) and alderpersons (wethouders). The mayor, who is appointed by the national government for a six-year term upon nomination by the municipal council, is responsible for maintaining public order. The other members of the executive board are appointed directly by the municipal council and can be dismissed through a no-confidence vote.
Unlike most other Dutch municipalities, Amsterdam is subdivided into seven boroughs (stadsdelen) and one urban area, Weesp. Each of these boroughs has its own district council (deelraad), which was chosen by popular election before 2014. Currently, they have an elected council called a district committee (bestuurscommissie). Local decisions are made at the borough level, while affairs pertaining to the entire city are delegated to the central city council.
While both Colorado counties and Amsterdam have a degree of local legislative power, the specific structures and processes through which these powers are exercised differ significantly due to the distinct legal and governance frameworks within which they operate.
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Colorado has unique laws, like banning auto sales on Sundays, whereas Amsterdam has no such bans
Colorado has a unique set of laws that set it apart from other states in the US, and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. One such law in Colorado is the ban on auto sales on Sundays. This law applies to dealerships as well as "premises or residences", and it is unclear how this benefits either citizens or the automotive industry. Interestingly, while automobiles cannot be sold on Sundays, car accessories and tires are exempt from this rule and can be purchased on Sundays.
In contrast, Amsterdam does not have similar bans on auto sales or any other industry-specific restrictions on Sundays. The city is known for its liberal laws and relaxed attitude towards certain activities that may be prohibited or regulated in other parts of the world.
Colorado has other unique laws that differ from those in Amsterdam. For example, in the city of Boulder, horses are considered "non-motorized vehicles", and it is illegal to ride a horse while under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, in Pueblo, residents are not permitted to keep certain weeds, including dandelions, bindweed, and Russian knapweed, taller than ten inches on their property.
Colorado also has laws that address specific issues within the state. For instance, due to the prevalence of uninsured and underinsured motorists, Colorado requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. This is designed to protect victims of hit-and-run accidents, which are unfortunately common in the state.
While Amsterdam is known for its progressive drug policies, Colorado has its own approach to regulating substances. The state has legalized the recreational use of marijuana, but with strict regulations on its sale and consumption. On the other hand, Amsterdam has decriminalized the use and possession of small amounts of certain drugs, including marijuana, but the laws and social norms surrounding drug use may differ from those in Colorado.
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Colorado has a unique 'red flag' law that allows gun confiscation, Amsterdam has strict gun control but no such law
Colorado has a unique 'red flag' law that allows for the temporary confiscation of firearms from people who are deemed to pose a threat to themselves or others. This law came into effect on January 1, 2020, and enables law enforcement officers or family members to request a court order for firearm removal. A judge must approve these requests, and the orders can be renewed by the court. If the respondent is not the lawful owner of the firearms, they must be returned to the owner.
In contrast, Amsterdam has strict gun control laws but no similar red flag law. Gun ownership in the Netherlands is highly regulated, and residents must meet specific requirements and obtain the necessary permits before purchasing a firearm. The majority of firearms in the country are licensed for sport shooting and hunting. To obtain a gun license for hunting, individuals must pass a hunter's safety course, and for target shooting, one must be a member of a shooting club for at least a year. Additionally, open or concealed carry of firearms is forbidden, and there are strict rules for transporting and storing firearms.
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Colorado's Boulder City has a unique 'Fighting Words' ordinance, Amsterdam has no such unique local laws
Colorado has its own state laws, including the Colorado Constitution, laws passed by the Colorado legislature, and decisions by courts that interpret Colorado laws. These laws can often be quite unique, such as the law that prohibits the sale of automobiles on Sundays, or the law that classifies horses as "non-motorized vehicles", making it illegal to drink while riding a horse.
One of the most interesting laws in Colorado is Boulder City's "Fighting Words" ordinance. This law states that it is legal to verbally assault someone until the person being assaulted "requests the person to cease and discontinue the conduct". In other words, it is not considered a crime until the victim asks the aggressor to stop. While this law might seem strange, it is important to note that it is limited in scope and only applies to certain types of speech that are intended to provoke a violent reaction.
In 2013, the law was deemed to violate the First Amendment by a municipal judge, and officials considered whether to appeal the decision. The law has been described as "probably not very effective" by the city's police chief, and it is unclear if it is still in effect today.
On the other hand, Amsterdam does not have any unique local laws like Boulder City's "Fighting Words" ordinance. Amsterdam is subject to the laws of the Netherlands, which are created by the Dutch parliament and interpreted by the country's courts. While there may be cultural and social differences between Colorado and Amsterdam, the legal differences are primarily due to their distinct geographical and political contexts.
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Frequently asked questions
In Colorado, adults 21 and older are allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and up to six marijuana plants. In contrast, possession of any amount of marijuana is technically illegal in Amsterdam, although individuals 18 and older found with up to 5 grams are generally not prosecuted if they hand it over to the police. Colorado residents can grow up to six plants in a private location, with a maximum of three plants flowering simultaneously. Meanwhile, Amsterdam residents are not permitted to grow marijuana.
Colorado has a reputation for producing high-quality cannabis at low prices. In Amsterdam, the quality of marijuana is generally lower to mid-shelf, and the price tends to be higher, with a gram of premium weed costing around $20.
Colorado has stricter firearm laws compared to Amsterdam. In August 2026, a new law will take effect in Colorado, banning the manufacture, sale, and purchase of semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines, including commonly used guns like AR-15s and Glocks.
One notable difference is that Colorado prohibits the sale of automobiles on Sundays, whereas there is no such restriction in Amsterdam.
