Controlled cannabis supply chain experiment: state of affairs and lessons learned

The baseline measurement in 2022, conducted before the controlled cannabis products were supplied to coffeeshops in the intervention municipalities, showed that customers of coffeeshops were predominantly (73%) daily or (almost) daily users, who frequent coffeeshops primarily for the atmosphere, location and high-cannabis quality. The main reason for buying outside coffeeshops is price. Hash and weed were cheaper on the illegal market, which suggests that the legal quality controlled cannabis must compete with the legal market on quality, variety and price.

It is intended to conduct four (annual) follow-up assessments after the experimental phase has started, during which coffeeshops in the intervention municipalities are only allowed to sell the controlled cannabis products. However, the experimental phase is still not implemented, because the preconditions (sufficient quantity, quality and variety of cannabis products) were not met. Especially, the production of sufficient hash could not be guaranteed by growers and there were concerns about the quality. During the preparatory phase, there were also challenges relating to licensing, finding growing locations, obtaining bank accounts, the track & trace system and security issues.

These findings and experiences may inform policy makers and scientists about implementation challenges and on evaluating cannabis policies.