NL: Start-up phase of cannabis experiment to start in Tilburg and Breda later this year

Minister Kuipers (Public Health, Welfare, and Sports) and Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius (Justice and Security) have decided to start with a start-up phase. This means that in the municipalities of Tilburg and Breda, growers are expected to start delivering to coffee shops in the fourth quarter of this year. During the start-up phase, on a small scale in the municipalities of Breda and Tilburg, at the initiative of the mayors of these municipalities, delivery to coffee shops can be started earlier. Coffeeshops will also be allowed to purchase from their old suppliers.

The purpose of the start-up phase is to practice all the processes and systems involved. So that the start in all municipalities of the transition phase can go more smoothly. The run-up phase can start under a number of conditions. Namely, a limited number of municipalities: Breda and Tilburg. In addition, a limited trading stock of 500 grams of regulated products, a limited duration of the start-up phase where the aim is a maximum of 6 months. The start is when a minimum of three growers are ready, and the start-up phase will stop if serious problems of public order and safety occur.

Mayors are responsible for enforcement of the regulated cannabis that comes into the coffee shop. Agreements are made in the local triangle to avoid ambiguities about the enforcement regime.

Minister Ernst Kuipers: "Together with Minister Yesilgoz-Zegerius, I am committed to making the cannabis experiment a success. I also sense enthusiasm among all participants and am therefore pleased that we can take a first smaller step here even before the official start of the experiment."

The start-up phase is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023, the time when at least three growers are ready to deliver. For the experiment to start in all participating municipalities, it is important that the quantity, quality, and diversity of cannabis and hash is sufficient. This moment is expected to be reached in the first quarter of 2024. From then on, all coffee shops in participating municipalities will be able to sell legal cannabis. Growers' progress will continue to be monitored by the ministries to determine whether the experiment can actually be started in the first quarter of 2024.

Source (Dutch): www.rijksoverheid.nl