Country profile · Western Europe
Netherlands
Europe's first medical system and a leading exporter, now formalising its coffeeshop supply through a national experiment.
Adult-usePilotRegulated adult-use sales trials run in defined areas.
MedicalEstablishedSince Sep 2003
Latest milestoneApr 2025Main experiment
Last reviewedStatuses reviewed quarterly by our newsroom
The law in brief
Coffee-shop sales tolerated for decades; a regulated supply-chain experiment now legally supplies shops in participating municipalities. Long-standing medical programme via the Office of Medicinal Cannabis.
Our classification for the Netherlands: adult use pilot, medical cannabis established.
Adult-use: PilotRegulated adult-use sales trials run in defined areas.
Medical: EstablishedA functioning prescription market with domestic or imported supply.
Key dates and latest developments
Six-Month Bedrolite Supply Secured for UK Patients But Long-Term Access Remains Uncertain
Cultivation
Medical Cannabis Pioneer Bedrocan Fights to Avoid Bankruptcy in Home Market
Medical Cannabis
The Netherlands’ Landmark Adult-Use Cannabis Experiment Publishes First Results
UK & Europe
How Countries Legalise Cannabis Matters More Than Whether They Do, Lancet Review Finds
International Regulation
Main experiment
Law and policy
Retail pilot
Law and policy
Medical
Law and policy
