After more than twenty years of a strictly regulated system, the regulatory framework for medical cannabis in the Netherlands is about to change. Announced gradually since 2024 and confirmed in 2025, the reforms undertaken by the authorities aim to make the market more flexible while preserving continuity of care and public health requirements.
For Bedrocan , the exclusive supplier of medical cannabis to the Dutch state for two decades, this transition marks the end of a long-standing monopoly. This also explains its return to Canada and its recent announcement of a partnership with a German company to supply patients in Germany.
For nearly 20 years, Bedrocan has been the sole producer of medical cannabis for the Dutch state. This exclusive position is now coming to an end, as the government prepares a new supply model. According to a company statement relayed by Cannabisindustrie.nl , medical cannabis produced by Bedrocan will remain available in Dutch pharmacies throughout 2026, ensuring continuity of care for patients during the transition.
This change was initially planned for 2025, but it has been postponed to January 1, 2026 , to give the authorities more time to prepare the regulatory and operational framework. Bedrocan CEO Jaap Erkelens presented the change as planned and manageable: "While this transition was expected following previous announcements by the Minister of Health, we intend to ensure a continued supply of medical cannabis to the Dutch market in the future."
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