Amsterdam's "coffee-houses"

[Dorian]

Ok, this probably sounds like a silly question, but for a Canadian like me, who's dope buying consists of finding an empty bathroom in my highschool to score a har, the concept of Amsterdam's "coffee-houses" seems so crazy. I've spent many hours imagining what it would be like to chill and get tickled "legally". So, to all of you who have been to Amsterdam, could you describe what the "coffe-shops" are like?

Thanks,

Dorian