Information for operators

As an operator in the cannabis experiment you face specific rules and requirements. The rules inside the experiment differ from the tolerance policy, because coffeeshops now have to work within the framework of the experimental legislation. This means new obligations around permits, sales and supervision.

Since 7 April 2025 the experimental phase has officially started. Coffeeshops in the participating municipalities may sell only regulated cannabis. A temporary exception for hashish ended on 1 September 2025.

Mandatory training for coffeeshop staff

Coffeeshops participating in the Closed Coffeeshop Supply Chain Experiment are required to train their sales staff. This is set out in Article 6 of the experiment regulation.

It covers a course focused on knowledge and skills. Staff must learn how to inform customers about the use and risks of cannabis. They must also be able to advise on safe use and on how to prevent problem use. In addition, coffeeshops are required to display educational material in visible places about the risks of (problematic) use. Participating coffeeshops provide a digital leaflet via a QR code on the packaging.

For the mandatory Article 6 course, the Trimbos Institute has developed De Coffeeshopcursus. In addition to addiction-care services, courses are organised by two nationally recognised training providers:

• Stichting Vakbekwaamheid Cannabis Keten
• Cannabis Career

In more and more municipalities — also outside the experiment — the requirement of trained staff is being included in local coffeeshop policy.

Next steps and timeline toward 2029/2030

From the regulation session of 13 May 2026 three workstreams were established to prevent decision-making from only starting after the experiment ends.

Short term

• Inventory of issues and scenarios from participating municipalities.
• Collection of signals from implementation practice and the experimental phase.
• Monitoring of the first WODC study and government response (summer/autumn 2026).

Medium term

• Exploration of possible transition and follow-up directions.
• Updating and elaborating available draft legislation.
• Possible cooperation with external partners and researchers.

Schedule

• Summer 2026 — first WODC study and government response.
• 2028 — evaluation (7 August) and government position (7 December).
• 2029 / 2030 — decision-making and possible follow-up legislation; end of the experimental phase 7 April 2029, possible extension until 7 October 2030.

Goal: prevent decision-making from only starting once the experiment has ended.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the conditions for participating?

Participation in the experiment is mandatory for all coffeeshops in the participating municipalities. Coffeeshops may only sell regulated cannabis from government-designated growers.

2. How is cannabis distributed within the experiment?

Designated growers deliver cannabis to participating coffeeshops via secure transport. Every delivery is recorded in the Track & Trace system, so the origin of every batch can be traced.

3. What happens if the rules are breached?

Non-compliance can lead to fines, temporary or long-term closure of the coffeeshop, or revocation of the permit. Supervision lies with the mayor, IJenV and NVWA.

4. How much cannabis am I allowed to keep in stock?

In the experimental phase coffeeshops may only stock regulated cannabis, with strict limits on quantities. Inspections take place regularly.

5. How does the Track & Trace system work?

Track & Trace is a mandatory digital platform used by coffeeshops and growers to follow purchase, storage and sale of regulated cannabis. Every batch is given a unique identifier (UID).

6. How much cannabis may I sell per customer?

Coffeeshops may not sell more than 5 grams of cannabis per customer per transaction.

7. What about sales to minors?

Sale of cannabis to anyone under 18 is strictly prohibited. Breaches can lead to temporary closure and, on repetition, revocation of the permit.

8. How should I approach prevention and education?

Staff must be trained to provide information about the risks of cannabis use. Prevention material must be visibly present in the coffeeshop.

9. May I sell cannabis from non-regulated growers?

No. Coffeeshops may only sell cannabis from government-designated growers.

10. How should I keep my administration?

Coffeeshops are required to keep a transparent record of all sales transactions and stock data.

11. What about sales to non-residents?

In border municipalities the I-criterion applies: sale to non-residents of the Netherlands is prohibited.

12. How is the experiment evaluated?

The experiment is evaluated independently. The final report is delivered to the ministers on 7 August 2028; the government position follows on 7 December 2028.