The illegal cannabis market remains active despite the Netherlands testing a regulated supply system in selected municipalities.
Researchers found no clear differences between municipalities taking part in the trial and those outside it during the first months.
Cannabis users told researchers that price was one reason they continued buying from illegal sellers. Some also said the illegal market allowed them to purchase larger quantities.
Prices for cannabis fell faster in municipalities participating in the trial. However, hashish prices increased faster in those areas.
Justice Minister David van Weel and Health Minister Sophie Hermans presented the first report from the trial to the Dutch parliament on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
“The experiment has had some start-up issues,” the ministers wrote.
They said the transition created difficulties, especially because of concerns about the availability of legally produced hashish.
The trial requires coffeeshops in 10 participating municipalities to sell cannabis supplied by approved growers. The products undergo quality checks and must meet government packaging rules.
The Netherlands has about 570 coffeeshops across 102 municipalities. The country tolerates cannabis sales under strict conditions, but production and commercial supply outside the trial remain illegal.
The government launched the experimental phase on April 7, 2025. Researchers are studying its effect on crime, public safety and health.
Officials said it remains too early to decide whether the programme has succeeded. The Dutch Cabinet plans to announce its position on the future of cannabis sales in 2028.
