The long-awaited cannabis experiment is finally underway in the Netherlands. The cities of Breda and Tilburg are already setting the stage, with their coffeeshops partially stocked with regulated ‘state weed’ from December 15th. According to Sikkom news site, the move aims to pinpoint potential obstacles on the path to complete legalization. In the upcoming weeks, several other municipalities, including Groningen, are set to follow suit.
Groningen has a notable penchant for cannabis consumption. The pungent aroma of the herb lingers in every street. However, the use of this substance has been shrouded in criminality and health risks for years. The cannabis experiment aims to lift that shadowy veil.
Weed experiment unpacked
Cannabis cultivation and purchase aren’t explicitly legal but are tolerated, creating a system akin to unsolicited remarks at a family dinner: just because I’m not reacting to a particularly annoying aunt’s digs doesn’t mean I’m cool with them. Coffeeshops have to source their stock illegally through the ‘back door’ while legally selling them at the front.
Under this experiment, authorized growers, thoroughly vetted, will supply these legal products. Once this experiment kicks off in Groningen, coffeeshops will sell both ‘state weed’ and illegal cannabis for six weeks. Afterward, the illegal supply chain should be replaced permanently by the government-regulated one.
Groningen on a par with Amsterdam & Rotterdam for drug use, new study finds
The legalization was passed during the Rutte-III administration, yet uncertainties still remain. The initial phase in Tilburg and Breda could last three to six months, paving the way for Groningen to start its trial.
Curbing drug crime
Health Minister Ernst Kuipers cites control, public health, and safety as the rationale. Some distributed cannabis may be contaminated or contain excessive THC, leading to unforeseen trips into existential conversations with supernatural entities. However, with regulated ‘state weed,’ the entire supply chain will be monitored, ensuring the exclusion of contaminated products and educating coffeeshop staff on potential side effects.
Beyond health, the experiment aims to curb drug-related crime by taking over cannabis delivery to shops, transitioning it away from the illegal market.
Worries emerge as cannabis experiment expands
Criticism echoes from the sector. Tilburg coffeeshop owner Willem Vugs has voiced concerns about the lack of diversity in the ‘state weed’ range, fearing customer dissatisfaction.
Yet, the changes run deeper than just swapping a strain or a few tweaks in the system. Coffeeshops will need to implement a track-and-trace system and staff ‘e-recognition.’ These hurdles seem minor and navigable, especially considering that the variety and quantity of ‘state weed’ may expand as more growers are approved and businesses adapt to new systems.
