From backdoor to the front door: next step in the cannabis experiment
20 June 2024
Although the Netherlands is often hailed as a legal cannabis paradise, the legal framework supporting this reputation remains somewhat questionable. Currently, the production and possession of more than five grams are illegal, yet purchasing weed in a coffeeshop is tolerated. This paradoxically means that coffee shop owners are officially engaged in practices considered illegal.
Therefore, the government has initiated a cannabis experiment. Under this new experiment, a select few coffeeshops will exclusively sell legal weed sourced from identified legal producers. The goal is to see if and how licensed cannabis growers can reliably supply high-quality weed to these shops.
This marks an important step away from the well-known 'backdoor policy'. One small problem: there are currently insufficient licensed cannabis growers. Due to difficulties in obtaining municipal building permits, finding and retaining investors for the tens of millions needed per grower and in opening bank accounts to spend these millions, participating shops still offer a mix of legal and illegal products.
 | Julianne van Pelt The Netherlands has long since ceased to be the leader in cannabis tolerance. Switzerland already initiated legal pilot programs with Cannabis Social Clubs and regulated cannabis supply chains some time ago. Initial data indicates positive impacts, such as reduced crime rates and job creation. Complete legalisation of recreational cannabis has been implemented in Malta (since 2021) and Luxembourg (since 2023), both adopting a non-commercial approach that still imposes limits on cultivation and possession. Germany also introduced legalisation earlier this year, though there are still many ifs and buts involved regarding the implementation. Nonetheless, the ability to smoke the green ‘gold’ without risking a fine already feels like a big win for many. |
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