A smartshop is a store where you can buy legal, natural products that can influence your consciousness, mood or mental performance without illegal substances. A coffeeshop, on the other hand, mainly sells cannabis and hash, which are legal for recreational use in the Netherlands under strict conditions.
Focus and range
Smartshops offer a wide range of products such as nootropics, CBD, herbs and natural supplements. Coffeeshops focus specifically on cannabis products, including weed and hash. Smartshops do not sell cannabis, making their range legal without the restrictions that coffeeshops have.
Legality and regulations
Coffeeshops are subject to specific rules and must have a permit to sell cannabis. Smartshops do not need a special permit for their product range because they only sell products that do not fall under the Opium Act. This makes smartshops more accessible to a wider group of users.
Target group and use
Customers of a smartshop often look for natural remedies to support focus, relaxation or creativity. Coffeeshop visitors use cannabis mainly recreationally, but also medically. Smartshops focus more on responsible, conscious use with extensive product information and dosage advice.
Conclusion
Although both types of shops have something to do with 'consciousness expansion', they clearly differ in assortment, legality and use. Smartshops are ideal for those who want natural, legal supplements, while coffeeshops offer cannabis products within a regulated framework.
