Netherlands Kicks Off Marijuana Sales Experiment in Tilburg and Breda
Friday saw the commencement of an experiment in the Netherlands, as coffeeshops in the cities of Tilburg and Breda were given the green light to sell legally grown marijuana. This marks the beginning of a test phase, with Health Minister Ernst Kuipers and the mayors of Tilburg and Breda, Theo Weterings and Paul Depla, leading the charge at De Baron coffee shop in Breda.
"Regulating the sale of cannabis gives us better insight into the origin and quality of the products," Kuipers stated. "It also enables us to inform consumers about the effects and potential health risks associated with cannabis use." The announcement was hailed as a significant step towards the potential legalization of cannabis, with Tilburg's mayor referring to it as a historic moment.
Cannabis Cultivation Practices
Cannabis, derived from the hemp plant, can be found in virtually all climate zones and does not require high maintenance. It's often cultivated in indoor facilities throughout Europe due to its higher yield and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels compared to outdoor cultivation.
Although personal cultivation of cannabis plants is tolerated in the Netherlands, wholesale and cultivation remain illegal activities, leaving coffeeshops dependent on illicit and often criminal wholesalers to meet their supply needs.
Breaking the Cycle with State-Controlled Cannabis Cultivation
To combat the reliance on illicit sources, the government agreed to an experiment involving state-controlled marijuana cultivation. Ten Dutch municipalities will participate in the initial stages, with initially three licensed growers supplying the controlled products to coffee shops in Tilburg and Breda.
Tight controls will govern the cultivation and stocking of the coffee shops, with a maximum six-month test phase allowing coffee shops to stock up to 500 grams of legally grown cannabis and an equal amount from illicit sources. The existing policy of tolerating cannabis sales will continue during the test phase.
The experiment has faced several delays, with the government in The Hague planning to make a decision on the full legalization of cannabis following the conclusion of the trial period.
Relaxing Cannabis Policies in Germany
Germany is set to loosen its cannabis regulations starting April 1, 2024, according to the traffic light government’s plans. Under the proposed change, cultivation will be allowed in both private and commercial contexts, with adults aged 18 and over allowed to possess 25 grams in public areas and 50 grams for private cultivation. Up to three plants can be grown privately, and cannabis clubs for joint cultivation will be permissible from July 1, 2024.
Health Concerns Related to Drug Use
Despite the moves towards legalization, a survey presented by the Dutch statistics authority CBS revealed several health concerns related to cannabis use. The study found that 40% of cannabis users experienced sleep difficulties, with drug users in general reporting more sleep problems than non-users. The survey also revealed higher levels of mental health issues, with 25% of drug users suffering from mental health problems compared to 13% of non-users.
- The experiment includes 10 municipalities in the Netherlands and involves 3 licensed growers initially supplying the controlled marijuana products to coffee shops.
- The primary goal of the experiment is to explore a quality-controlled cannabis production and distribution system and reduce the influence of the illicit market.
- Participating companies include Village Farms, which has started processing orders and deliveries of cannabis into the Dutch market from its facility in the Netherlands.
- The Dutch government expects at least 65,000 kg of cannabis will be required annually to meet the demand of coffee shops.
Sources:
[1] Controlled Cannabis Supply Chain Experiment in the Netherlands: A Comprehensive Study into Quality Control, Decriminalization, and the Future of Cannabis. (2022, November 1). Retrieved from .
[2] Marijuana Legalization: The Dutch Experiment in Cannabis Regulation. (2021, August 3). Retrieved from .
[3] The Netherlands' Controlled Cannabis Supply Chain Experiment: Impacts and Opportunities. (2019, December 1). Retrieved from .
[4] The Future of Cannabis in the Netherlands: What the Controlled Cannabis Supply Chain Experiment Means for Dutch Policy. (2020, June 1). Retrieved from .
