Cannabis in the Netherlands

Cannabis was first criminalised in the Netherlands in 1953, following earlier laws against its import and export in 1928.

[5] Cannabis products are only sold openly in certain local "coffeeshops" and possession of up to 5 grams for personal use is decriminalised.

[6] Other types of sales and transportation are not permitted, although the general approach toward cannabis was lenient even before official decriminalisation.

[7][8][9] Though retail sales are tolerated, production, transportation, and bulk possession of marijuana outside of retail stores is illegal, preventing testing for contaminants and dosing.

After legalization and regulation of the entire supply chain in other countries, some cities in the Netherlands are participating in a pilot project using officially approved growers and testers, and labeling of the amount of THC.