This is an English translation. The original Dutch article is authoritative.
Today, on 7 April 2025, the experimental phase of the Dutch cannabis experiment has officially commenced. This experiment is intended to determine whether a fully closed and regulated chain – from grower to coffeeshop – is possible and can contribute to solving the structural problems of the current tolerance policy.
Today, on 7 April 2025, the experimental phase of the Dutch cannabis experiment has officially commenced. This experiment is intended to determine whether a fully closed and regulated chain – from grower to coffeeshop – is possible and can contribute to solving the structural problems of the current tolerance policy.
Although there is a sufficient supply of regulated cannabis, the availability of regulated hashish is still insufficient. For this reason, it has been decided that during the first two months of the experiment, there will be no enforcement regarding the sale of illegal hashish in the participating coffeeshops. This gives growers extra time to get their hashish production in order and gives coffeeshops the space to gradually expand their offering of regulated hashish.
The temporary exception applies exclusively to hashish. For illegal cannabis flower products, enforcement will be applied from day one, because the supply of regulated cannabis meets the established criteria for quantity, quality, and diversity.
Important background information:
- During an administrative consultation on 31 March, the involved mayors expressed their support for this measure to protect public order.
- From 10 June 2025, full enforcement will be applied: from that moment, only regulated products may be sold in the participating coffeeshops.
- The experiment is closely monitored, and any bottlenecks are discussed with coffeeshop owners, growers, and municipalities.
With this step, a unique phase in Dutch cannabis policy begins, in which practical experience must show whether regulated cultivation is indeed a workable alternative to the current grey area.
attachment: Ontwikkelingen en voortgang Experiment gesloten coffeeshopketen