The Netherlands extended the government initiative, which allows the legal sale of cannabis.
Despite the fact that plant growing remains illegal, cannabis stores, known as caffeists, in 10 municipalities will be allowed to sell marijuana 10 licensed manufacturers.
“The grass was legally sold here for 50 years, but production was never cool. Therefore, finally, the time has come to put an end to this crazy and inexplicable situation and make it a cool professional sector, ”said Rick Bakker, commercial director of Hollandse Hoogtes, one of the regulated manufacturers.
About 80 caffeists participate in experience that defenders expect to put an end to a long -standing legal anomaly: in the Netherlands you can buy and sell small amounts of grass without fear of processing, but their commercial cultivation remains illegal.
The Bakker company in Bemmel, not far from the German border, does not differ from the surrounding greenhouses that produce tomatoes and pepper.
However, it produces 200 pounds of grass per week and is one of the largest manufacturers.
Pioneers in the decriminalization of Herb since the 1970s of the Netherlands have become more conservative.
Amsterdam, a great time for marijuana smokers, has been closing coffee shots in recent years and forbade the consumption of herbs on some of the stones of the streets that make up their historical center.
Defenders of the legalization of cultivation have insisted on this extent for many years, referring to the safety of the product and the problem of crime.
Benjamin Selma, the main cultivator of Hollandse Hoogtes, which worked on the production of cannabis in California for more than ten years, said that Cannabis quality control was extremely high.
“We conduct complete, microbial trials for cannabinoids, terpenes, as well as yeast and anaerobic bacteria, as well as heavy metals. Therefore, it is very, very controlled, ”he said.
A company that does not use pesticides and strictly regulates growing conditions is also aware of the environment.
The production device receives its energy from solar panels and uses biodegradable packaging.
“This is also a great opportunity to see how cooperation in a closed chain between legal manufacturers, coffee owners and all other authorities involved,” said Mayor Bred Pol Pall when the first stage was launched in 2023.
The experience “is actually a political obligation”, according to Derrick Bergman, the President of the Union to cancel the ban on Cannabis.
The plan dates back to 2017, when Christian political parties and side parties agreed to pass the test after the bill on decriminalization of production did not pass.
The government will evaluate experience in four years.
“A research group consulted by an independent orientation and evaluation committee considers the influence of a controlled cannabis supply chain on crime, safety and public health care,” the government said.
Selma said that she was happy to work without worrying about trials.
“I saw some bad moments,” he admitted. “I don’t know if I had ever believed that it would be so free,” he added.
Coffee -shop, which participate in this initiative, are located in Almer, Arnem, Breda, Gruningen, Herlen, Helllewutsluis, Maastricht, Nizhmagen, Tilmagen and Zaanstad.