Netherlands Cannabis Experiment: Check the Municipality and Coffee-Shop Rules
The Government of the Netherlands says ten municipalities take part in the Controlled Cannabis Supply Chain Experiment, and all coffee shops in those municipalities must participate. The official list is Arnhem, Almere, Breda, Groningen, Heerlen, Voorne aan Zee, Maastricht, Nijmegen, Tilburg and Zaanstad. Verify the municipality using the current official list.
Check what applies to the coffee shop
During the experiment phase, participating shops may buy, sell and stock cannabis only from designated growers. Standard requirements also remain in place, such as rules on advertising, nuisance, hard drugs, alcohol and admitting people under 18.
A residence criterion applies in border municipalities Breda, Heerlen and Maastricht: shops there may admit and sell only to people who live in the Netherlands. Mayors in other participating municipalities may also adopt the criterion. Visitors should check the current local rule rather than assume tourist access.
For the broader legal framework, see the Netherlands cannabis law guide.
Quick FAQ
Which municipalities participate in the controlled-supply experiment?
Government.nl lists Arnhem, Almere, Breda, Groningen, Heerlen, Voorne aan Zee, Maastricht, Nijmegen, Tilburg and Zaanstad. Check its current official page before relying on the list.
Are all coffee shops in those municipalities in the experiment?
Government.nl says participation is mandatory for all coffee shops in the participating municipalities.
Can a visitor buy cannabis at every participating coffee shop?
No general visitor conclusion follows. Government.nl says the residence criterion applies in Breda, Heerlen and Maastricht, and other municipalities may adopt one. Verify current local rules before visiting.
Sources
- Government.nl: Municipalities participating in the experiment -- checked 2026-09-25.
- Government.nl: Requirements for coffee shops in the experiment -- checked 2026-09-25.