Producers welcomed the expansion of cannabis sales in the Netherlands.
Although growing cannabis is still illegal, cannabis shops known as 'coffee shops' in 10 municipalities will be allowed to purchase cannabis from 10 licensed producers.
It has been reported that the scope of the previous regulation allowing legal cannabis sales in the Netherlands has been expanded. "Cannabis has been legally sold here for 50 years, but its production has never been legal. It is finally time to end this inexplicable situation and make it a legal industry," says Rick Bakker, the commercial director of Hollandse Hoogtes, one of the licensed producers. Bakker's facility in Bemmel, near the German border, resembles the surrounding greenhouses producing tomatoes and peppers. Here, 200 kilograms of cannabis are produced weekly, positioning it as one of the largest producers in the pilot program. The Netherlands, where cannabis consumption became legal in 1970, has been becoming increasingly conservative. In Amsterdam, which has been a significant consumption center for years, 'coffee shops' have recently been closing one by one, and cannabis consumption has been banned in some historic places. Opponents of the bans advocate for the legalization of production, citing concerns about crime. Benjamin Selma, the head grower of Hollandse Hoogtes who worked in cannabis production in California over a decade ago, stated that the quality control for cannabis is extremely high. "We conduct a complete test for microbial, cannabinoid, terpene, yeast, and anaerobic bacteria, heavy metals. So it’s very, very controlled," he said. The company, which does not use pesticides and has its production conditions frequently inspected, also stands out for its 'sustainability' aspect. The facility’s energy is sourced from solar panels, and biodegradable packaging is used. The government will evaluate the pilot program after four years. Selma expressed happiness about working without the fear of prosecution. "I’ve had some rough moments. I don’t know if I ever believed I would be this free," he said.