For the first time in the Netherlands, cannabis smokers can buy legally grown cannabis. The first phase of the so-called cannabis experiment will start just across the border in Tilburg and Breda (province of North Brabant) on Friday. The coffee shops in both cities may continue to sell tolerated products in addition to cannabis from three legal growers for the time being.
In the coming period, we will look at what the parties involved are facing before the cannabis experiment starts nationally. About ten municipalities are participating in this. Mayor Theo Weterings of Tilburg therefore spoke of an “experiment within the experiment”, which should last a maximum of six months.
The coffee shops are still allowed to participate on a voluntary basis. According to the municipality of Breda, all eight shops participate equally. In Tilburg this concerns six of the eleven shops. According to a municipal spokesperson, the rest will probably follow early next year.
Also in the rest of the Netherlands
The national experiment of at least four years is expected to start this summer, although there is still a transition phase in between. In addition to Tilburg and Breda, Arnhem, Almere, Groningen, Heerlen, Voorne aan Zee, Maastricht, Nijmegen and Zaanstad are also participating in the official cannabis experiment. In addition, it is also the intention that Amsterdam will participate with the Amsterdam-Oost district.
The cannabis test has already been postponed several times. During the real experiment, coffee shops in the participating municipalities are only allowed to sell regulated cannabis. They then have a choice of ten growers.
In the Netherlands, cannabis is still purchased illegally ‘at the back door’ by coffee shops, resulting in crime, nuisance and health problems. However, sales to customers are tolerated.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss anything from the stars.