Dutch Cannabis Growers Support Expansion of State-Regulated Sales Experiment

LOS ANGELES- The Netherlands has initiated an expansion of its state-regulated cannabis sales experiment, involving approximately 80 coffeeshops across 10 municipalities, including cities such as Breda, Arnhem, and Maastricht. This initiative permits these establishments to source cannabis from 10 licensed producers, aiming to address the longstanding policy contradiction where the sale of small cannabis quantities has been tolerated, but large-scale cultivation remained illegal. ​

Hollandse Hoogtes, a licensed producer based in Bemmel near the German border, is among the participants. The facility produces about 200 kilograms of cannabis weekly and emphasizes stringent quality controls and sustainable practices, including the use of solar energy and biodegradable packaging. ​

Advocates view this development as a corrective measure to align the legal framework, enhance product safety, and reduce criminal involvement in the cannabis market. The four-year program will be evaluated for its impact on crime, public health, and safety, with findings intended to inform future cannabis policy in the Netherlands.

This expansion builds upon a pilot program initiated in December 2023 in Breda and Tilburg, where coffeeshops began selling legally cultivated cannabis to regulate the trade and ensure product quality. ​