Leiden coffeeshops seek permission to double cannabis stock to 1,000 grams

Coffeeshops in Leiden want permission to keep up to 1,000 grams of cannabis in stock, double the current legal limit of 500 grams. The city’s association of cannabis retailers says the existing rule is "impossible to work with" and "unfair" to businesses.

The Leiden Association of Cannabis Retailers (LVCD), which represents 11 shops in the city, has submitted a request to the municipality for an exemption. “With thousands of customers per week, resupply is unavoidable,” LVCD chairman Jack Stikvoort said, according to Omroep West.

Stikvoort raised the issue last week during a committee meeting of the Leiden city council. He said both police and city officials have been aware of the stock problem for years. Earlier agreements existed, but they were not included in the stricter policy now in place. “It is unfair,” he reportedly said twice during the meeting.

City council member Emma van Bree of GroenLinks asked whether Leiden should expand the number of coffeeshops instead of raising stock limits. “That is not necessary and certainly not desirable,” Stikvoort replied, noting there are currently 11 shops in Leiden. He said they can meet demand, particularly with several new shops that have recently opened in the region.

Council member Dave de Jong of Fractie De Groot asked whether pressure on Leiden coffeeshops had eased since new outlets opened in nearby towns such as Lisse. Stikvoort responded that “there has been a significant decline since the opening of four shops in the region.”

The LVCD is proposing what it calls a “safe declaration.” Under this plan, a notary would certify a request to increase the allowed stock, giving shop owners legal protection against penalties for holding larger amounts. “A simple, transparent, controllable, and fair solution,” Stikvoort said.