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Next Phase Of Netherlands ‘Wiet Experiment’ BeginsThe “Experimental Phase” of the Netherlands Closed Coffeeshop Chain Experiment began on Monday.
A December 10 statement by the Dutch Government declared that “from 7 April 2025, coffeeshops in municipalities participating in the weed experiment will only be allowed to sell regulated cannabis. The responsible ministers, Minister Van Weel (Justice and Security) and State Secretary Karremans (Health, Welfare and Sport), informed the House of this development today. This date is final, providing certainty for municipalities, coffeeshop owners and growers.”
This Experimental Phase of the weed experiment is scheduled to last for four years and the participating Dutch municipalities are Almere, Arnhem, Breda, Groningen, Heerlen, Maastricht, Nijmegen, Tilburg, Voorne aan Zee, and Zaanstad.
The purpose of the project is to investigate the feasibility of the switch of national dispensaries from back-door to government-regulated supply.
Coffeeshop t’ Kunsje, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Inadequate production from government-sanctioned production and processing coupled with complaints surrounding a lack of diversity, quantity, and quality of products from coffeeshop owners lead to an initial stage of this second weed experiment phase, initially set for September 2024.
Three more approved growers have now been added to the approved roster, bringing the number to seven. Phase One of the experiment began on December 15, 2023, when regulated weed and hash sales launched in coffeeshops across Tilburg and Breda, expanding to the other eight participating municipalities on June 17 of 2024.
To combat continued complaints regarding a limited selection of hash products, the deadline for the coffeeshops of the ten municipalities to switch to 100% government-regulated hash will be June 10, 2025.
First “legal” batch: La Kalada’s Ice-o-Lator Frosted Sunsetz by Q-Farms, one of the licensed producers in the Dutch cannabis experiment. #wietproef pic.twitter.com/yMXDJvjr2q
— VOC Nederland (@vocnederland) April 6, 2025
Notably, La Kalada’s Netherlands division has now joined the project and has released their first legal hash, Frosted Sunsetz Ice-o-Lator by licensed producer, Q-Farms.
“The ‘Closed Coffee Shop Chain Experiment’ aims to investigate whether it is possible to have a regulated chain producing, distributing and selling cannabis. A team of researchers, under the guidance of an independent Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, will also study the effects on public health, crime, safety and public nuisance. The research outcomes may contribute to decision-making on future cannabis policy in the Netherlands.” [...]
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Legal Dutch Cannabis Retail Obstacles: Wiet Experiment DelaysThe highly anticipated Dutch cannabis Wiet Experiment has encountered yet another obstacle. State Secretary Karremans and Minister Van Weel have communicated` Wiet Experiment delays, causing the official start to be postponed due to licensed growers not being adequately prepared.
It’s rather odd that the government is putting blame on the cultivators and processors when the experiment was set to start years ago. Remember, AudioKush first reported on the Wiet Experiment back in 2019, and then discussed it being postponed in 2021. The lack of preparedness from the government has caused challenges in implementing such a large-scale experiment in a high-demand market. The government should take responsibility for their lack of preparedness.
While cannabis is thought to be legal throughout the Netherlands, it is actually only tolerated, and growing it is forbidden (only tolerated up to 5 plants with strict consequences if caught). Through the Wiet Experiment, the cultivation, processing, and sale of regulated cannabis are legal in coffeeshops within 10 participating municipalities in the Netherlands. The plan was to restrict supply to 10 approved farmers by the government beginning on September 16. However, more wiet experiment delays are causing a backlash, and the start date may now be pushed back.
A Trial Period Began On June 17th
Currently, the experiment is undergoing a trial or transition period to evaluate the success and effectiveness of the new regulations. Since the start of this trial period on June 17, a mere three cultivators have been providing regulated cannabis to 63 out of 75 participating coffeeshops in 10 municipalities. The Dutch government has officially designated ten cultivators. The slow progress in the implementation of the wiet experiment has raised concerns about meeting the demand for regulated cannabis in the market.
Major Concerns Causing Wiet Experiment Delays
The anticipated variety and volume of cannabis products have not been fulfilled, leading to apprehensions among coffeeshop owners, customers, and municipality leaders. Major challenges have arisen, including supply chain issues, quality control concerns, and a need for more cultivators to participate in the experiment.
Restricted Diversity:
Due to the presence of just three farmers, there is a conspicuous absence of assortment in cannabis and hashish products. This constraint has a negative effect on consumer satisfaction and the overall objectives of the experiment. This lack of variety also limits consumer choice and could potentially hinder the success of the regulated sales transition.
Quality Concerns:
Although the overall quality of cannabis is typically acceptable, the quality of hashish is below standard, which adds to the challenges of transitioning to regulated sales. As the experiment progresses, addressing these quality control concerns will be crucial for achieving the desired outcomes.
Production Goals:
Weekly production targets for cannabis and hashish are 570 and 160 kg, respectively, with a 6800 kg and 2000 kg stockpile, maintained by growers. These goals have not been met as of this writing, and there has been urgency placed specifically on hashish production.
These challenges highlight the need for more growers to enter the market and for improvements in quality, further causing more wiet experiment delays. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the success of the experiment and the satisfaction of both customers and the coffeeshops participating.
Additional Growers & Processors To Begin Soon
To help meet the production targets and improve the quality of hashish products, additional cultivators and processors are needed. Currently, only 3 of the 10 licensed farmers are in operation, with 2 more expected to begin sometime this month or in September. 5 additional farmers will begin cultivation and production in early 2025, officials report. These five farmers have been given a nine-month deadline to start production or risk having their licenses revoked. This expansion hopes to address the current constraints and enhance consumer satisfaction in the experiment. Taking this step will help get everything ready faster and make sure there’s enough supply.
A Prolonged Delay In The Experiment Is Causing Frustration
The delay is becoming increasingly frustrating for those who are anticipating the outcomes of this experiment in legally and regulated cannabis retail and its potential impact on the Dutch cannabis industry. The uneven and restricted supply is a major problem for coffeeshops and their customers. All of these problems highlight how important it is to have a fully stocked and well-planned supply chain before starting the experiment, which clearly was not in place.
Ensuring a smooth and reliable supply chain will be crucial to meeting the demands of both coffeeshop owners and municipal leaders. Addressing these concerns early on will help prevent any disruptions in the experiment’s implementation. It is essential to have a thorough plan in place for procurement and distribution. Perhaps this is what caused a 5 year delay in seeing this experiment begin.
Despite the slow start, officials are optimistic that the kinks will be ironed out and the program will eventually expand to more municipalities. The success of this experiment could have far-reaching implications for cannabis regulation in the Netherlands and beyond.
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Snoop Dogg’s Coffeeshop Opens In Amsterdam On August 1Rapper Snoop Dogg, the undisputed king of side hustles, opens a coffeeshop in Amsterdam. If you didn’t think carrying the Olympic torch was enough to solidify his legendary status, this new venture certainly does the trick. Snoop Dogg opens his own Amsterdam coffeeshop. Coffeeshop S.W.E.D. (Smoke Weed Every Day) opens its doors on August 1 2024.
The opening of Snoop Dogg’s Amsterdam coffeeshop marks a crucial milestone in the worldwide expansion of the S.W.E.D. brand, following the successful debut of its first store in Los Angeles earlier this month. The coffeeshop embodies Snoop’s distinctive flair and enthusiasm for cannabis in a city synonymous with cannabis culture.
The shop will offer a variety of cannabis products and merchandise, creating a unique experience for visitors. With his iconic style and business savvy, Snoop Dogg is sure to make Coffeeshop S.W.E.D. a must-visit destination in Amsterdam.
The former coffeeshop Funky Munkey will officially become Coffeeshop S.W.E.D. (Smoke Weed Every Day) on August 1 2024. The buzz surrounding this has already generated excitement, with many eager to see what this new establishment will bring to Amstredam. It is unknown if Snoop Dogg himself will be present during the Grand Opening, but with his current collaboration in Paris with the Olympics, it isn’t out of the question.
Whether Snoop Dogg makes an appearance or not, one thing is for sure – Coffeeshop S.W.E.D. is set to open on August 1st 2024. This strategic move will not only capitalize on Amsterdam’s reputation as a cannabis-friendly destination but also solidify Snoop Dogg’s presence in the global cannabis industry. The expansion to Amsterdam is just the beginning of S.W.E.D.’s plans for international growth and brand recognition.
Snoop Dogg’s coffeeshop, S.W.E.D., will operate under the same ownership as Coffeeshop De Kroon, Greenhouse Effect, & Mike Tyson’s Coffeeshop Tyson 2.0. [...]
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Legal Dutch Cannabis Retail Obstacles: Wiet Experiment DelaysCoffeeshop Guide / Dispensaries / Legal / Netherlands (News)
Legal Dutch Cannabis Retail Obstacles: Wiet Experiment DelaysCoffeeshop Guide / Dispensaries / Legal / Netherlands (News)
