The Netherlands to Launch Cannabis Legalization Pilot Program in December 2023

Dutch authorities have decided to launch the pilot phase of the cannabis legalization experiment before the end of this year. The Wietexperiment-literally “Cannabis Experiment,” which was approved by the Senate in 2019-will open the door for selected growers to legally supply cannabis to coffee shops in ten cities in the Netherlands.

Although Amsterdam is known for its coffee shops offering cannabis, growing and selling cannabis for recreational purposes outside of these locations remains illegal. Current laws allow coffee shops to sell small amounts of cannabis to customers, but they operate under strict rules.

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Holden’s cannabis experiment

The experiment, which officials are calling a “closed café experiment,” is designed to observe the impact of a regulated cannabis market on the country as a whole and to help prevent crime. After several delays, the implementation phase will begin on December 15th, initially in the cities of Breda and Tilburg.

During this phase, coffee shops participating in the experiment will be able to sell both legally grown and “tolerated” products. Two cannabis cultivation companies have been selected to legally supply cannabis.

The maximum duration of the implementation phase is six months. All activities during this time will be closely monitored to gain experience with the closed supply chain and all related processes.

A “transition phase” is then envisioned, during which all participating cities will be able to sell regulated products. If public order or security is threatened during the implementation phase, it will be discontinued.

Future steps and challenges

It is expected that all cities will be able to start the transition phase at the end of the first quarter of 2024 at the earliest. According to local media reports, 10 manufacturers were initially selected to participate in the experiment, but one of them lost its permit and others encountered logistical problems, such as the inability to set up a bank account.

The city of Amsterdam has also expressed interest in participating in the cannabis experiment, and talks are underway. A bill amending the Closed Café Experiment Act and Decree is currently in the House of Representatives.

The Dutch experiment with cannabis legalization indicates the country’s willingness to explore the possibility of fully legalizing cannabis for recreational purposes.

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(Featured image by RDNE Stock Project via Pexels)

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First published in Fakty Konopne, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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