These won't make you into an SAS (or Special Amsterdam Smoker) commander but they may help avoid some difficulties as you travel around.

- Hey man its legal !

Yes smoking Marijuana is legal in the Netherlands but that does not mean you cannot get arrested. If you are caught carrying an amount over 5 grams you can be arrested for possession to deal. And the authorities are not so chilled out about harder drugs. Any amounts of illicit drugs can result in prison terms and/or huge fines . Addicts are usually referred to a rehabilitation unit. Never buy drugs on the street. Random checks are also common on travellers arriving from Amsterdam to other countries.

- Know your limit.

Just like alcohol there are different strengths of hash and cannabis and much of the stuff for sale in Amsterdam is pretty potent. For a regular user this may not be such a problem but a first timer may experience difficulties . If in doubt ask the café for advice. Also a point about baked goods. They may contain the same amount or more as a joint but deliver it to the body a lot slower . A common complaint after eating a slice of space cake or cookie is there is no effect, so instead of waiting they eat another one and so on until it all hits at once like a hammer. Although it's not necessarily fatal to overdose on cake, too much is not a pretty sight. Sleep is generally the best cure, and sweet drinks such as orange juice or sweet tea help hasten the comedown.

- Share the joy.

Effects of smoking, eating or drinking cannabis, and magic mushrooms, can range from a chilled out 'stoned' feeling, to fits of the giggles, to hallucinations and even to intense paranoia. The length of the effect depends on how much and what you have ingested, your physiological makeup and sensitivity, but generally a few puffs on a typical joint may last anywhere from 1-3 hours. Traces of marijuana ( THC ) can remain in the body for up to 6 months so take note if your job involves random drug testing.

- Lose your wits not your wallet.

Feelings of disorientation and memory loss are not uncommon after experiencing a bit too much cannabis so take a card from your hostel to help you get home and leave all the important stuff in the safe deposit boxes where you are staying. Just take enough cash with you that you think you will need. Even if you are not participating in the cannabis culture, keep a close eye on your bag at all times .

- Keep an open mind.