Part of: Closed coffeeshop chain experiment
What changes for the coffeeshop?
Coffeeshops in participating municipalities operate within the framework of the Experiment Act, no longer exclusively under the tolerance policy. Since 7 April 2025 the experimental phase has started: only regulated cannabis is permitted. A temporary exemption for hashish applied until 1 September 2025.
Mandatory training for sales staff
Under article 6 of the Regulation coffeeshops must train their sales staff. The training covers knowledge and skills to inform customers about use, risks and responsible consumption of cannabis.
Stock
Participating coffeeshops are allowed a larger maximum trading stock than the 500-gram norm under the regular tolerance policy. This makes it possible to genuinely supply a legal chain without continuous bottlenecks.
Packaging and presentation
- Child-resistant and opaque.
- Label with THC/CBD content, weight and warning.
- Unique track & trace code per pack.
Purchasing and price
Purchasing runs exclusively via the designated growers. The cost price is structurally higher than under the current back door; at the same time the front-door price cannot rise so far that customers switch to street dealing. Margins and pricing require continuous alignment.
Administration and oversight
Coffeeshops keep complete records, link incoming deliveries to the track & trace system and are available for inspection by IJenV, NVWA and the municipality.
Banks and payments
Participants work with invoices from legal growers and therefore belong to the lowest risk profile in the sector. See also our dossier Coffeeshops and banking for the wider context.