Part of: Closed coffeeshop chain experiment
How the experiment came about
The Cannabis Experiment grows out of a decades-long debate on the Dutch tolerance construction. Selling in coffeeshops is tolerated, but cultivation and supply — the so-called back door — remained criminal. That grey zone produced organised crime, uncontrollable product quality and lost tax revenues.
Timeline
1976 — Introduction of the tolerance policy
Dutch tolerance policy is formally introduced: possession of small quantities of cannabis (up to 5 grams) and sales in coffeeshops are permitted. Production and cultivation remain prohibited.
1980–2000 — Grey zone
The number of coffeeshops grows sharply. Organised crime gets involved in cultivation. Sales are tolerated, but supply remains criminal.
2000–2010 — Mounting public pressure
Mayors, municipalities and police raise the alarm over the back door problem. A political agreement on regulation fails to materialise.
2013 — First proposals for regulation
Political parties, local governments and the Bond van Cannabis Detaillisten begin to argue more actively for full regulation of the chain.
2017 — Closed Coffeeshop Chain Act
The House of Representatives votes in favour of the Act that provides the basis for the Cannabis Experiment.
2019 — Selection of municipalities
Ten municipalities are selected: Almere, Arnhem, Breda, Groningen, Heerlen, Hellevoetsluis (now Voorne aan Zee), Maastricht, Nijmegen, Tilburg and Zaanstad.
2020 — Official launch
The Closed Coffeeshop Chain Experiment Act enters into force on 1 July 2020. Production and distribution are subject to strict government oversight.
2021–2022 — Preparations
Growers are designated under strict conditions. Selection on reliability, production capacity and the ability to meet quality standards.
2023 — First harvests
The first harvests of legally grown cannabis are delivered to coffeeshops in the participating municipalities.
15 December 2023 — Run-up phase Breda & Tilburg
Coffeeshops in Breda and Tilburg may sell both regulated and tolerated products — preparation for the full transition.
17 June 2024 — Transition phase in all ten municipalities
Coffeeshops in all participating municipalities may sell regulated products alongside the tolerated assortment.
7 April 2025 — Start of the experimental phase
From this date coffeeshops in the participating municipalities may sell only legally grown cannabis. During the first two months illegal hashish is not yet enforced against.
1 September 2025 — End of the hashish exemption
The temporary exemption from the requirement to sell only regulated hashish lapses.
2029/2030 — Phase-out
After the four-year experimental phase (with up to eighteen months of possible extension) a six-month phase-out follows. After that, coffeeshops return to the previous situation unless the evaluation leads to a permanent regulatory scheme.