The controlled, legal growing of medicinal cannabis is suitable for large-scale cultivation in Dutch greenhouses in the Westland, according to the Bench of Mayor and Aldermen of the Westland in a letter. But there’s one important condition: it’s only allowed with an exemption from the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, and under strict requirements.
The Bench of Mayor and Aldermen answered questions from the group Westland Verstandig (Westland Sensible). They wanted to know how the Bench views growing medicinal cannabis. Within government regulations – which are not yet known – the bench could be interested, so it seems.
“Controlled and legally growing medicinal cannabis with exemption from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport lends itself to large-scale cultivation in greenhouses in the Westland, albeit under stringent conditions,” they write. Strict regulations, quality requirements and protocols are in place for this cultivation. “A stable climate exists in the greenhouses, making it easier for the grower to follow the protocols, so that pharmaceutical quality can be guaranteed.”
The bench also announced that one company in the Westland has an exemption for growing medicinal cannabis. It has not been announced which one. In May this year, the government announced that 35 exemptions to the Opium Act had been granted, but not all for growing medicinal cannabis. Cannabis can also be used for other goals: scientific, analytical-chemical, educational purposes and the training of dogs, trade-related.
It will not be announced which companies were granted exemptions. “Because privacy of those exempted is more important than the general importance of publicity,” according to the government. “Regarding the risk of burglary or raids at these locations, making this information public can lead to disproportionate harm of those exempted, which is not offset by the importance of making the information public.”