The Dutch government has expanded a state-backed cannabis program to allow legal sales, even though growing it remains against the law in most cases. As of now, cannabis stores in ten cities can offer weed sourced from ten officially licensed growers.
For decades, selling small amounts of cannabis in Dutch coffee shops has been tolerated, but the actual cultivation was still illegal. This setup created a legal loophole where you could sell cannabis but not legally produce it. Rick Bakker, a commercial director of one of the approved growers, Hollandse Hoogtes, called it an overdue fix to a confusing situation.
Roughly 80 coffeeshops are now involved in the trial, which is designed to bring more consistency and safety to the cannabis supply chain. One of the main aims is to address issues tied to illegal cultivation, such as crime and poor quality control.
Hollandse Hoogtes, located close to the German border in Bemmel, produces about 440 pounds of cannabis each week. The facility resembles a standard greenhouse operation but stands out for its strict quality standards. Head grower Benjamin Selma, who previously worked in California’s marijuana industry, says every batch is tested for harmful microbes, heavy metals, cannabinoids, and terpenes. No pesticides are used, and the growing environment is closely monitored.
The facility also uses solar power and eco-friendly packaging as part of its sustainability efforts.
Although the Netherlands was one of the first countries to adopt a tolerant stance on cannabis back in the 1970s, the nation has become stricter in recent years. In places like Amsterdam, coffeeshops have been closing, and public smoking has been restricted in certain areas.
Supporters of the trial believe it’s a key step toward a safer, more transparent marijuana industry. Mayor Paul Depla of Breda highlighted the importance of cooperation between authorities, growers, and shop owners in making the system work.
The plan was first proposed in 2017 after a compromise between conservative and progressive political parties. The government has set a four-year period for the trial during which researchers will monitor its impact on public safety, health, and organized crime. Results from the trial will guide future decisions on national cannabis policy.
For growers like Selma, the shift to legal work is a relief. After years of operating under risky conditions, he said it feels almost unreal to finally produce cannabis without fear of legal consequences.
The participating cities include Zaanstad, Almere, Breda, Arnhem, Groningen, Tilburg, Heerlen, Hellevoetsluis, Nijmegen, and Maastricht.
As the system proves its efficacy, it could trigger opportunities for international players like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CNX: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) interested in expanding their global footprint.
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