First, growers were selected for the Dutch closed coffeeshop chain experiment. They've now received a message from the government. Among them is Cannamax. This is a five-party club that seemingly includes an ornamental plant grower.
On Thursday, June 24, the Dutch government gave these farmers the nod. They can now legally cultivate cannabis. Cannamax want to do this on NEXTgarden in the Dutch town of Bemmel.
The ten included farmers have all undergone a Public Administration Probity screening (BIBOB). It'll be determined whether the applicant can become a grower for the experiment. That's based on the BIBOB outcome and a final conditional check. The government doesn't expect to be able to approve all ten growers at once.
Not a sure thing yet
Now that they have the go-ahead, the designated growers can equip their farms. And they can begin cultivating hemp and/or hashish. The participating municipalities, coffee shop owners, and administrators can also start preparations.
Earlier this month, the Lingewaard municipality held talks with local residents. That was following the state's approval of Cannamex. The group still needs to get an environmental permit for the cultivation.
The growers can't sell the cannabis onsite. The council can lodge an objection to the government's decision. And people can object to the environmental permit application.
Preparation and execution
Preparations will be made in the run-up to a transitional phase. There has to be a transition because coffee shops can't suddenly switch from the status quo to this experimental phase.
The experiment will then begin. When exactly that will be, is up to the Dutch government. It will last at least four years. MPs can extend it by no more than 18 months. During the trial, the ten selected growers will grow cannabis legally. They'll supply coffeeshops in the ten participating municipalities. These establishments will then sell the drug.
Cannamax has released only limited information on its website. That's for 'safety reasons'. This report is based on a Lingewaard council article.
Source: Gemeente Lingewaard / Cannamax