Discussing the Legalisation of Recreational Cannabis Supply Chain: Will It Weaken Drug Trafficking Organisations?

Abstract

Since the Netherlands’ tolerance policy, which allows the purchase of cannabis at ‘coffeeshops’, has been linked to issues of public order and safety, as well as dangers made by drug trafficking organisations, there has been a long debate regarding legalising cannabis production and supply. It was so decided to launch an experiment with a restricted legal (‘closed’) cannabis supply chain for recreational use. This has international implications due to the ongoing illegal cannabis exports from the Netherlands, the importance of sharing knowledge about the effectiveness of cannabis policy, and the accumulation of evidence required to review and revise international treaties. We will detail and discuss the experiment’s background, general approach, and design. In this experiment, ten trusted cannabis growers are contracted to manufacture and supply cannabis to coffeeshops in intervention municipalities, with product quality control, legal enforcement against criminal interference, and preventive measures to decrease health hazards in place. The cannabis supply to coffee cafes in participating control municipalities will remain unchanged. A process study will determine if the chain of production to sale in the intervention towns is indeed closed. In a quasi-experimental study comparing intervention and control communities, the chain’s effects on public health, cannabis-related crime, safety, and public annoyance will be assessed. Earlier experiences with medical cannabis in the United States, as well as limited access and production models in Europe, have provided valuable insights. However, these amendments go far further, introducing a new area of cannabis policy. The absence of empirical knowledge on the effects of such measures presents a problem for policymakers. As a result, establishing future legal changes will require a thorough grasp of the specifics of each country. The literature comparing Colorado’s and the Netherlands’ models is limited. This study is based on a thorough analysis of the policies, regulations, and discussions related to criminal activities common to drug trafficking organizations. The research and analysis presented herein will provide policymakers with a better understanding of the laws and regulations governing legal cannabis in these jurisdictions, as well as highlight some potential impacts and challenges of cannabis reform that require further consideration to ensure public safety and health.