News item | 15-12-2023 | 09:15
With the visit of Minister Kuipers and mayors Depla and Weterings to a coffee shop in Breda, the start-up phase of the closed coffee shop chain experiment (weed experiment) has officially started. As of today, coffee shops in Breda and Tilburg are allowed to start selling regulated cannabis. In addition to regulated grown products, tolerated products may also be offered. The initiative for the start-up phase was taken by the mayors of Breda and Tilburg. Outgoing Minister Kuipers (VWS) and outgoing Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius (JenV) have given the green light to start the experiment on a small scale.
Minister Kuipers: It is good that we can start with the start-up phase of the closed coffee shop chain experiment. By regulating the sale of cannabis, we have better insight into the origin of the products and the quality. In addition, we can better inform consumers about the effects and health risks of cannabis use.
During the start-up phase, growers, coffee shop owners, transporters and supervisors gain experience with the supply and sale of regulated cannabis and its supervision, secure transport and the use of the track & trace system. During this start-up phase, the coffee shops in Breda and Tilburg may have a maximum of 500 grams of regulated products in stock, in addition to 500 grams of tolerated products. The aim is for the start-up phase to last a maximum of 6 months. In all other (participating) municipalities, the existing tolerance policy remains in force during the start-up phase.
Monitoring the start-up phase
Developments during the start-up phase are monitored. The insights are shared with all participating municipalities and used to improve processes and systems for a smoother transition phase. If it appears during the start-up phase that public order or safety is at risk, the start-up phase can be stopped prematurely.
Extra attention to prevention
Using cannabis always involves risks. This also applies to the cannabis produced within the experiment. That is why extra attention is paid to prevention. For example, requirements have been set for packaging and labeling and consumers are informed about the effects and health risks of cannabis use by means of a package leaflet.