- ID required. You must be 18+ and carry valid ID at all times.
- Maximum 5 grams per person per visit under Dutch tolerance policy.
- Cash only in most Dutch coffeeshops. Bring euros.
- No alcohol. Dutch law prohibits selling alcohol and cannabis under the same roof.
- No hard drugs. Strictly prohibited under the gedoogbeleid.
- Do not transport cannabis across any Dutch or international border.
About Northern Lights Groningen
Northern Lights Groningen takes its name from one of the most celebrated cannabis strains in history and uses that heritage as a statement of intent. Since opening in 2007, the shop has consistently been cited as one of the best in Groningen, with a menu breadth and quality that rivals larger shops in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
The location in Groningen Centrum, close to the main university buildings, gives Northern Lights a student-heavy customer base but the shop serves a genuinely diverse range of people. The interior is bright and well-maintained, with a layout that makes the menu accessible and the experience comfortable.
With 16 to 24 varieties typically available, Northern Lights has the widest selection in Groningen. The sourcing emphasis is on Dutch domestic cultivation, with particular attention to classic strain genetics. The staff can discuss the menu with genuine expertise. Pre-rolls, hash, and a small selection of edibles round out the offering.
The surrounding area includes some of the most historically significant buildings in Groningen, including the Academiegebouw and the Martinikerk. Northern Lights is an excellent starting point for a day of exploring the city's architecture and culture.
Dutch Coffeeshop Rules at a Glance
The Netherlands operates under the gedoogbeleid, a tolerance policy permitting licensed coffeeshops to sell cannabis to adults under strict conditions:
- 18+ with valid ID required for entry
- Maximum 5 grams per visit per coffeeshop
- Personal possession of up to 5 grams is tolerated
- No consumption near schools or in prohibited public areas
- Taking cannabis across Dutch borders is illegal
Flying Home Soon?
Cannabis remains detectable in your system for varying periods. See our full drug test guide for detailed timelines covering urine, blood, and hair testing.