Lobbying: From local connections to European recognition

As chairman of the Bond van Cannabis Detaillisten (BCD), I am committed to a future-proof cannabis policy by putting structural problems on the agenda, realizing solutions and strengthening connections. At local, national and European level, I work together with entrepreneurs, policymakers, mayors and stakeholders to take concrete steps towards regulation, access and recognition of the sector.

From local discussions to political action:
- By facilitating discussions with ministries, municipalities and residents, I identify practical problems and work on supported solutions.
- In meetings such as the Stadsharttop, I have strengthened the connection between coffee shop entrepreneurs and residents, with an eye for support, liveability and public order.
- Regular discussions with mayors, including Mayor Halsema of Amsterdam, ensure that local policy challenges become discussable and that the practical experience of entrepreneurs is included in municipal decisions.

At national level, I have:
- Initiated parliamentary questions about the banking problems and bankruptcies in the cash transport sector, which led to political recognition of the vulnerable position of coffee shops.

- Consulted with the ministries of Finance and Justice & Security on the tension between regulation and feasibility for entrepreneurs.
- Contributed to the round table review of the Services Directive, in which I explained the impact of scarce permits for the sector and advocated transparency and customization.

Recognition and cooperation at European level:
- At international level, I am working on positioning the Dutch model as best practice for cannabis regulation.
- My efforts have led to discussions in Brussels, where I entered into dialogue with European representatives together with entrepreneurs for the first time. These discussions strengthened the position of the Dutch coffee shop sector and expanded the network.
- This relationship resulted in an invitation to stand as a candidate for the European elections, a confirmation of the importance of my work and the voice of the sector at international level.

Practical solutions and self-regulation
- An important pillar of my work is developing feasible solutions that contribute to professionalization and transparency within the sector:
- Sector guideline quality mark coffee shops: I led the development process, in which I collected input from stakeholders such as banks, supervisors and entrepreneurs, and ensured support within the sector.
- Research reports: With documents such as “Coffee shops and Banks” I translated practical problems into policy advice that supports politics and government in their decision-making.

Impact and reach
- Local: Improved cooperation with municipalities and mayors to create local support and safeguard public order.
- National: Agenda of urgent themes such as banking accessibility and scarce permits at ministries and politicians.
- European: Expansion of the network in Brussels and strengthening the visibility of the Dutch model as an international example.
- Sector-wide: Practical solutions such as the sector guideline and self-regulation increase transparency and strengthen the position of entrepreneurs.