Speaker
Description
Authors: Desiree Spronk (Trimbos Institute), Marjan Mohle (Trimbos Institute)
Background: From the 7th of April 2025 coffeeshops in ten participating municipalities of The Netherlands entered the experimental phase of the closed coffeeshop chain experiment (also called cannabis experiment or experiment). In this phase, regulated cannabis from government appointed growers is produced. The coffeeshops in the 10 participating municipalities are permitted to only sell regulated cannabis. The Dutch government has commissioned the Trimbos-institute to give advice regarding cannabis prevention during the experiment.
Methods: we performed a mixed methods study consisting of a literature study, an online questionnaire and interviews with stakeholders of prevention such as local policy makers and prevention workers. In addition, we performed a literature study in order to substantiate the writing of an information leaflet about the risks associated with cannabis use.
Results: A number of recommendations followed from the study such as the formation of a prevention work group, a format for municipalities to facilitate the development of a local prevention policy, and an interactive document that helps professionals with referral to low-cost accessible E-health interventions. We wrote an information leaflet called Cannabis Kompas that informs users about the risks of cannabis use, high-risk groups, and provides harm-minimization tips. In addition to the aforementioned activities, the government promotes prevention through legislation such as a compulsory training for people working in coffeeshops and package requirements of the cannabis.
Discussion: The cannabis experiment has extended the number and types of stakeholders of the cannabis ‘prevention continuum’. We will discuss facilitators and barriers for implementation of prevention based on early experiences.
| Conflict of interest | none |
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