Internationale ontwikkelingen in cannabisbeleid voor recreatief gebruik: Eindrapport
[International developments in cannabis policy for recreational use: Final report]
ResearchPublished Oct 8, 2024
This study explores international cannabis policy developments since 2010, focusing on changes in recreational cannabis laws. It includes an in-depth analysis of policies in Vermont, California, Quebec, Uruguay, Germany and Switzerland. The study provides 25 recommendations for cannabis policy in the Netherlands, highlighting the need for evaluation and monitoring to assess policy impacts and ensure public health and safety are prioritised.
Note: This report is in Dutch. An English-language summary is available.
For decades, Dutch cannabis policy was unique in the world, due to its 'tolerance policy', which permitted the sale and use of cannabis under specific conditions. However, with several countries having legalised cannabis and more planning to do so, the international landscape has evolved. This study, commissioned by the Research and Data Centre (WODC) and conducted in collaboration with the Trimbos Institute, aims to provide relevant insights from these global experiences that could inform and shape current and future cannabis policy in the Netherlands.
The study offers a global overview of significant policy developments regarding cannabis for recreational use since 2010. Furthermore, researchers conducted in-depth case studies on cannabis policies in six jurisdictions: Vermont, California, Quebec, Uruguay, Germany and Switzerland. Through desk research, expert interviews and a structured literature review, they examined policy goals, legal frameworks, key actors and reviewed available literature on the effects of these policies on issues such as substance use, public health and organised crime.
Insights from this global overview and the case studies were used to formulate a set of recommendations for Dutch policymakers. The report highlights the need for coherent policy objectives, a research-informed policy framework, stakeholder involvement and facilitating international research on cannabis policy effects.
Key Findings
Global developments in cannabis policy since 2010
Since 2010, significant changes in cannabis policy have been observed globally, particularly in countries like Uruguay, Canada, Australia, Germany, Luxembourg, Malta and the US. These changes include the legalisation of recreational cannabis markets and the lifting of bans on cultivation, sale and use, offering a variety of regulatory models that can be considered when thinking of reforming cannabis policy.
Insights for cannabis policy in the Netherlands
The Netherlands, known for its tolerance policy, can gain valuable insights from international case studies. By examining policy shifts in Vermont, California, Quebec, Germany and Switzerland, Dutch policymakers can explore the relevance and applicability of these strategies to their unique context. These insights have led to 25 specific recommendations for the Netherlands.
Focus on health and safety
A common theme in the jurisdictions that have reformed their cannabis policies is the emphasis on public health and safety. Objectives often include protecting consumers and youth, ensuring safe access, and minimizing the negative impacts of cannabis use. These goals are central to the policy frameworks in Uruguay, Quebec and Germany.
Evaluation and Monitoring
Effective cannabis policy requires robust evaluation and monitoring mechanisms. This involves specifying the scope and purpose of evaluations, determining criteria such as effectiveness and sustainability, and ensuring that monitoring systems can measure relevant policy indicators. These steps are crucial for assessing the impact of policy changes and making informed adjustments.
Recommendation
The report outlines 25 recommendations for cannabis policy in the Netherlands, emphasising an evidence-informed approach. Key suggestions include developing a coherent theory of change for cannabis policy, considering phased implementation and ensuring adaptability based on research insights. The researchers advise balancing market accessibility with achievable regulations and emphasise that introducing restrictions to the legal market may have a 'balloon effect' on the illegal market. The importance of local-level tailored approaches is highlighted, with a caution against excessive disparities between municipalities. These recommendations aim to guide policymakers in crafting effective, research-driven cannabis regulations that address public health and safety concerns.
Downloads
Translations
Topics
Document Details
- Copyright: RAND Corporation en Trimbos-instituut
- Publisher: RAND Corporation
- Availability: Web-Only
- Year: 2024
- Pages: 224
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.7249/RRA3423-1
- Document Number: RR-A3423-1
Citation
RAND Style Manual
Hoorens, Stijn, Thomas Martinelli, Mafalda Pardal, Margriet van Laar, Rick Slootweg, and Ben Senator, Internationale ontwikkelingen in cannabisbeleid voor recreatief gebruik: Eindrapport: [International developments in cannabis policy for recreational use: Final report], RAND Corporation, RR-A3423-1, 2024. As of May 5, 2026: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3423-1.html
Chicago Manual of Style
Hoorens, Stijn, Thomas Martinelli, Mafalda Pardal, Margriet van Laar, Rick Slootweg, and Ben Senator, Internationale ontwikkelingen in cannabisbeleid voor recreatief gebruik: Eindrapport: [International developments in cannabis policy for recreational use: Final report]. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2024. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3423-1.html.
Research conducted by
The research described in this report was prepared for the Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek- en Datacentrum (WODC) and conducted by RAND Europe.
This publication is part of the RAND research report series. Research reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND research reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity.
RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.