Part of: Closed coffeeshop chain experiment
The ten municipalities involved, with their number of coffeeshops and local implementation of the experiment.
The ten participating municipalities
The Cannabis Experiment takes place in ten carefully selected municipalities spread across the Netherlands and varying in size. All coffeeshops within these municipalities are mandatory participants and may sell only products originating from the designated growers.
Arnhem — 11 coffeeshops
Arnhem applies specific rules for the transition to regulated products and works closely with growers and enforcement.
Almere — 3 coffeeshops
Almere relies on a phased roll-out with strict enforcement to keep the transition orderly.
Breda — 8 coffeeshops
Breda was, together with Tilburg, one of the first municipalities in the run-up phase. The I-criterion applies in Breda: sales only to residents of the Netherlands.
Groningen — 8 coffeeshops
Groningen has a strong focus on public health and safety and sets strict rules for monitoring sales.
Heerlen — 2 coffeeshops
Heerlen lies close to the German border; enforcement against drug tourism is an important priority.
Voorne aan Zee — 2 coffeeshops
Voorne aan Zee (formerly Hellevoetsluis) focuses on cooperation between coffeeshops and enforcement to safeguard compliance.
Maastricht — 13 coffeeshops
As in Breda, the I-criterion applies in Maastricht to curb drug tourism and to regulate the market locally.
Nijmegen — 9 coffeeshops
In Nijmegen the emphasis is on a smooth transition to regulated products in cooperation with growers and operators.
Tilburg — 11 coffeeshops
Tilburg was, with Breda, the first municipality in the run-up phase. The focus is on optimising the track & trace system and inventory management.
Zaanstad
Zaanstad contributes to the practical test of a regulated chain in the west of the country.
The municipalities one by one
Arnhem has 11 coffeeshops participating in the experiment. The municipality applies specific rules for the transition to regulated products and works closely with growers and enforcement officers to keep the experiment running smoothly.
Almere
In Almere three coffeeshops are taking part. The municipality is focused on a careful, phased rollout, with strict enforcement to manage the transition from tolerated to regulated cannabis in an orderly way.
Breda
Breda, with 8 coffeeshops, was — together with Tilburg — one of the first municipalities in the lead-in phase. The I-criterion applies in Breda, meaning coffeeshops cannot sell cannabis to non-residents of the Netherlands. This is a key part of local enforcement.
Groningen
Groningen has 8 coffeeshops participating in the experiment. The municipality places a strong emphasis on public health and safety and sets strict rules for monitoring the sale of regulated cannabis.
Heerlen
Heerlen has 2 participating coffeeshops. Proximity to the German border makes enforcement on drug tourism a priority, with extra checks on regulated cannabis sales and stock.
Voorne aan Zee
Voorne aan Zee has 2 participating coffeeshops. The municipality focuses on cooperation between coffeeshops and enforcement officers to ensure compliance and prevent illegal trade.
Maastricht
Maastricht has 13 participating coffeeshops. As in Breda, the I-criterion applies, allowing only Dutch residents to purchase cannabis. This helps to counter drug tourism and keep the market locally regulated.
Nijmegen
In Nijmegen 9 coffeeshops participate in the experiment. The municipality focuses on a smooth transition to regulated products and works closely with growers and operators.
Tilburg
Tilburg has 11 participating coffeeshops and, together with Breda, was one of the first municipalities in the lead-in phase. The focus is now on optimising the Track & Trace system and ensuring sound stock management.
Zaanstad
Zaanstad has 3 coffeeshops participating in the experiment (PDF). The municipality applies strict compliance checks and has taken additional steps to support the sale of regulated cannabis.