If you have recently purchased from one of the more well-known coffee shops in The Hague, you may have noticed that your products now come with labels. Labels are not just a gimmick, they serve an important purpose and provide more in-depth information about your purchase.
The rise of cannabis legalization in Europe
In Europe, the legalization of cannabis is on the rise in several countries. With the increasing popularity of cannabis products, it is important to pay attention to their labeling. Labeling provides important information to consumers and regulatory agencies, ensuring product safety and quality.
What does the label tell us?
One of the most important aspects of labeling is providing information about the contents of the product. This includes THC content and other cannabinoids, as well as information on the origin of the cannabis, cultivation methods and processing. Consumers have a right to know what they are buying and how much THC it contains, as this affects its effects and their safety.
The importance of dosage
Labeling also helps you use the correct dosages with your products. Cannabis comes in various forms, from natural flowers to edibles and concentrates. Safe (and enjoyable) use depends on being able to know the potency of the products and what the possible (side) effects are.
Protecting vulnerable populations
Labeling can also help prevent abuse and protect vulnerable populations. By providing information on the recommended dosage, consumers can achieve the desired effects without endangering their health.
Traceability and quality control
In addition, labeling is important for traceability and quality control of cannabis products. By providing information on the origin of cannabis, cultivation methods and processing, consumers and regulators can assess the quality of the product and trace its origin.
The current scenario in the Netherlands
Since there is currently no legalization of cannabis (and probably not in the near future), there are no rules for labeling cannabis in the Netherlands.
Cannabytics and the ‘Trusted Coffeeshops’ group
Cannabytics is pushing for all stores that are part of the “Trusted Coffee Shops” group to label all of their products with information such as batch number and potency and a QR code that leads consumers to in-depth information about the product they purchased.
The mystery of the Dutch government
It is a mystery why the Dutch government continues to interfere in the legislative issue, when not so long ago the Netherlands was the market leader in this industry.
The future of the Dutch cannabis market
Lately, we are seeing some amazing samples in the lab, produced and grown here in the Netherlands by expert Dutch growers. Despite the challenging legal and social conditions these people must work with, these people are raising the game and producing better products than we currently import from across the Atlantic.
