This is an English translation. The original Dutch article is authoritative.
The cabinet is sticking to the planned start date of 7 April 2025 for the closed coffeeshop supply chain experiment. Despite ongoing concerns from coffeeshop owners, growers, and local officials, State Secretary Ingrid Coenradi acknowledges that the situation is “very tense” and that “start-up problems are inevitable.”
Background of the experiment: solution for structural problems
The closed coffeeshop supply chain experiment was established following years of criticism regarding the existing tolerance policy. Particularly since 2015, mayors and local officials have repeatedly emphasised that the current system leads to problems with public order, safety, and public health, and furthermore strengthens undermining crime. The Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) explicitly stated in the report ‘The failure of tolerance’ (2015):
“Tolerance has led to a situation in which coffeeshops are legally allowed to sell cannabis products, but are simultaneously forced to purchase them illegally. This leads to serious crime problems and unclear regulations. Coffeeshops are precisely intended as safe and controlled points of sale.”
The cabinet emphasises that the experiment is crucial for future Dutch cannabis policy and is intended to provide clarity:
“The experiment must determine whether a closed coffeeshop supply chain is possible and what the effects of this are. This knowledge is essential for tackling the structural problems in the current tolerance policy.”
Monitoring: sufficient quantity, quality still insufficient
According to recent monitoring, seven growers are expected to supply coffeeshops in the participating municipalities on 7 April. Currently, seven growers are producing cannabis, six of which are actually supplying coffeeshops. Five growers are currently also producing hashish. As of 7 April, seven growers will be operational, one of whom will focus entirely on hashish. Later this year, three more growers will begin production.
To provide certainty, the cabinet has set a firm deadline. A mandatory start-of-use obligation applies to five growers. State Secretary Ingrid Coenradi stated regarding this:
“For five growers, they must have started production by 6 May 2025 at the latest. If growers do not meet this date, their licences will be revoked.”
This is intended to ensure sufficient and timely production, but also places extra pressure on the growers.
Risk that the regulated market will not get a fair chance
Recent monitoring shows that coffeeshop owners currently judge the quality of regulated hashish as insufficient. The cabinet explicitly recognises this problem:
“Due to different climate conditions and production methods, regulated hashish will never fully possess the characteristics of Moroccan hashish.”
According to the cabinet, this creates a risk that the regulated market will not get a fair chance:
“As long as regulated and illegal markets continue to exist side-by-side, the regulated market will not get a fair chance to develop fully. Consumers may continue to choose illegal products as long as the regulated supply does not sufficiently meet their expectations.”
Coffeeshop owners primarily express concerns about the quality and availability of regulated products and indicate that they will remain dependent on both markets for the time being.
Active enforcement to combat illegal street trade
Although coffeeshop owners have repeatedly expressed their concerns about the risk of increasing illegal street trade due to potentially insufficient regulated supply, the cabinet is little concerned about this and explicitly states it has confidence in active enforcement:
“If there is evidence of illegal street trade, the police can take enforcement action and the Public Prosecution Service can initiate any criminal prosecution. Municipal supervisors can also take action, if this is included in the General Municipal Bylaw (APV).”
Emergency meeting focused on cooperation and better market functioning
On 26 March, the cabinet is organising an emergency meeting for growers, coffeeshop owners, and participating municipalities. This meeting is supported by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) and has a specific goal:
“Improving cooperation and achieving better market functioning. During this meeting, experiences will be shared and it will be discussed how supply and demand can be better aligned.”
Experiment legally anchored and cannot be terminated lightly
The closed coffeeshop supply chain experiment is established by law and has a duration of a minimum of four and a maximum of five and a half years. During this period, it will be investigated whether a closed coffeeshop supply chain is feasible and what the effects are on safety, public health, and crime control.
The cabinet explicitly points to the legal framework surrounding the experiment, which lasts a minimum of four years and a maximum of five and a half years:
“Prematurely terminating the experiment requires a special repeal act. Furthermore, such a termination leads to financial compensation for growers and coffeeshop owners due to investments already made.”
The experiment can only be terminated prematurely at a local level in the event of serious and persistent problems regarding public order and safety.
The coming weeks will be decisive for the further course of the experiment. The cabinet promises to continue monitoring entrepreneurs closely and to respond quickly if necessary. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs are calling for prompt decision-making and clarity so that further uncertainty and financial risks are limited.
Editors 17 March 2025