The Netherlands to launch historic experiment in legal cannabis cultivation

A Dutch governmental organization will be authorized to grow cannabis to coffeeshops in 6 to 10 cities. The experiment will show whether crime is decreasing in these cities, and will attempt to measure the effects on public health and the environment.

The full agreement is due to be presented on Tuesday October 10, but has been signed by a majority coalition in Parliament and the Senate, comprising the People's Party Liberal Democrats (VVD), the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), Democrats 66 (D66) and the Christian Union (ChristenUnie).

At present, the Netherlands applies a coffeeshop tolerance policys and the sale of cannabis. In contrast, the cultivation and delivery of cannabis to coffees is illegal, effectively making cannabis growers illegal. In 2015, Dutch police dismantled 5,856 cannabis plantations, or 16 a day. The police estimate that this corresponds to only 1/5th of the total.

«This experiment in legal cultivation can be described as a breakthrough,» explains political journalist Fons Lambie. «It's been talked about for decades. It's remarkable that these political parties have come to an agreement. On the one hand, D66, which wants to legalize cannabis, and on the other, Christian parties like ChristenUnie and CDA, which have always been against it».

According to Fons Lambie, this experiment is happening now because the pressure from municipalities for legalization is becoming increasingly strong, due to the high level of criminality surrounding the cannabis trade. At the time, the Netherlands was also at the forefront of public drug policy, but was overtaken by the various other countries. American states that have legalized and Uruguay.

In addition to its illegal activity, cannabis cultivation causes numerous problems, including fires due to overused electrical installations, environmental pollution (pesticides and fertilizers used) and noise pollution. 80% of Dutch cultivation is said to be exported abroad. Breda and Eindhoven have already expressed an interest in the experiment. The governmental organization is expected to involve several cannabis producers.

In February, the Lower House of Parliament had voted in favor of legalizing cannabis production, but the majority of the First Chamber was against it.