Netherlands trials legally cultivating cannabis for first time | BBC News

The Netherlands is starting a trial aimed at decriminalising the production and supply of cannabis.

The drug is being legally cultivated as part of a small experiment that could eventually be rolled out across the country.

The consumption of cannabis has long been allowed in the Netherlands, but the sale of the drug remains illegal, even though it is tolerated.
In the pilot, production will be limited to a handful of farms, whose cannabis will be closely monitored before it is supplied to coffee shops. The aim is to crack down on drug dealers and guarantee a high quality and safer product for consumers.