On April 7, 2025, the final phase of the Experiment closed coffee shop chain will begin. In this phase, coffee shops in the participating municipalities will only be allowed to sell regulated cannabis. However, more time seems necessary to improve hash production and procurement by coffee shops. Therefore, the sale of hash will temporarily not be enforced in participating coffee shops. This gives growers more time to get their production in order. The responsible ministers, Minister Van Weel (Justice and Security) and State Secretary Karremans (Youth, Prevention and Sport), informed the House of Representatives about this today.

Currently, the government tolerates the sale of cannabis (weed and hash) in coffee shops to consumers. This means that coffee shops can sell weed and hash under strict conditions. They are not prosecuted for this. The cultivation of cannabis is illegal in the Netherlands. Therefore, it is unclear where the cannabis comes from and what its composition is. The goal of the experiment is to investigate whether a closed and regulated chain of production, distribution, and sale of cannabis is possible.

Mayors of the participating municipalities will not enforce the sale of illegal hash in coffee shops for the first two months. Currently, it is still uncertain whether there is enough hash available to continuously supply all coffee shops. Sufficient supply is important, as a shortage can lead to illegal street trade. Therefore, growers are given more time to improve their hash production, and coffee shop owners are given the opportunity to grow in their regulated hash supply. Enforcement will begin on June 10, 2025, and only regulated cannabis will be sold in the coffee shops.

During the experiment, a team of independent researchers will look at the effects of the experiment on public health, crime, safety, and nuisance. The results of this research can contribute to decision-making about future cannabis policy in the Netherlands.