Dutch Pilot Program Explores Moroccan Hashish Imports Amid Local Shortages

The Netherlands is drawing inspiration from Morocco’s experience with legal cannabis cultivation. Since April 7, a pilot project has started in ten municipalities across the country. As part of this, coffee shops have been authorized to sell foreign hashish until June 10, due to shortages and difficulties in local production.

The reason being that Dutch farmers are struggling to produce Moroccan hashish, particularly the Beldia variety grown outdoors in the Rif region, known for its distinctive aroma and high CBD content. Yet, the product is in high demand in coffee shops. According to the Platform Cannabisondernemingen Nederland (PCN), Moroccan hashish represents about 25% of sales in coffee shops.

The shortage of this product has caused discontent among both consumers and establishment owners. For some industry experts, the legal importation of hashish from Morocco is technically feasible and legally acceptable under Dutch legislation.

According to the Initiative Group for Legal Hashish Importation, importing Moroccan hashish could also benefit the kingdom, which needs to get rid of the large quantity of unsold hashish since the legalization of cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes in 2021.