Amsterdam Empire: new Netflix series delves into coffeeshops and cannabis legalization in the Netherlands

Since April 2025, the Netherlands has been experiencing the final phase of a pilot project involving around 80 coffeeshops in ten municipalities. For the first time, the country is seeking to establish a fully legal and regulated cannabis supply chain — from cultivation to sale.

This scenario, marked by the fine line between legality and illegality, is the backdrop of the series Amsterdam Empire, released on Netflix on Thursday (30). The series follows Jack van Doorn, the charismatic founder of the 'The Jackal' coffeeshop network. Throughout his career, Jack has faced rivals, criminals, and legal loopholes to build his empire — unaware that the biggest threat was within his own home.

After discovering a betrayal, Betty (Famke Janssen), a former diva and his ex-partner, devises a revenge plan to take what Jack values most: his empire. With seven episodes, the first season delivers a narrative of love, hate, and ambition.

The real-life inspiration behind Amsterdam Empire

The series uses family dramas to address the complex drug policy of the Netherlands.

Since the 1970s, the country has adopted a policy of tolerance (gedoogbeleid), allowing the sale and personal consumption of cannabis in licensed coffeeshops. However, this policy has created a contradiction: sales to consumers are tolerated, while cultivation and supply remain illegal.

Currently, there are around 570 coffeeshops in 102 cities in the Netherlands. Despite being cultural symbols, these establishments operate in a fragile system full of legal uncertainties.

To address this impasse, the government launched the 'Cannabis Legal Experiment' in 2022. The proposal establishes a closed circuit where licensed producers can supply cannabis legally and in a controlled manner to selected coffeeshops.

The goal is to combat the gray market, ensure transparency, strengthen security, and protect public health. Cities like Tilburg, Maastricht, and Groningen are already participating in this final phase of the project.