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Quality standard within reach: what the baseline measurement of the tolerated situation teaches us

Recently, the baseline measurement of the closed coffee shop chain experiment was presented. This research, conducted as a baseline measurement prior to the start of the experiment, maps the quality of cannabis currently sold in coffee shops. The purpose of this baseline measurement is to create a reference point to document the situation before the introduction of regulated cannabis. The measurement focuses on contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and bacteria in cannabis.


To my great surprise, I have already noticed misunderstandings arising. People mistakenly believe that the identified pesticides, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants were found in cannabis produced within the experiment. This is absolutely not the case. The baseline measurement concerns cannabis from the tolerated situation, originating from illegal cultivation.

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Key findings:

  • Aflatoxins: None of the 103 analyzed samples contained concentrations of aflatoxins exceeding the limits. This is a positive result, as aflatoxins are harmful substances produced by molds.

  • Heavy metals: Only one of the 103 samples exceeded the limit for heavy metals. This involved a hashish sample with a high concentration of lead (28.5 mg/kg). Although the health risk appears limited, this is a point of concern due to the harmful properties of lead.

  • Microbiological contaminants: Twenty percent of the cannabis samples showed microbiological exceedances, while this was not observed in hashish. This included the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which can potentially cause illness.

  • Pesticides: Traces of pesticides were found in 34% of the samples, which are not allowed within the experiment. However, exposure remains well below the acceptable daily intake, meaning health risks are likely limited.


The tolerated situation in the Netherlands presents a mixed picture. On the one hand, there are positive points, such as the absence of aflatoxins and the fact that most contaminants remain below the established limits. On the other hand, the report points to the lack of uniform quality controls, which allows incidents such as exceeding the limit for lead and the presence of pesticides to occur. This situation provides valuable insights but also highlights room for improvement.

Current situation

The baseline measurement shows that 20% of cannabis samples contained microbiological contaminants that exceed the standards established in the closed coffee shop chain experiment. These exceedances included the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which can be pathogenic in certain cases. Although these bacteria likely pose limited health risks for healthy users, they can be problematic for individuals with weakened immune systems. This underscores the importance of strict hygiene requirements within the experiment. In the regulated chain, active monitoring is conducted to minimize such contaminants and further ensure the safety of cannabis products.


Although the baseline measurement shows that heavy metals can be a point of concern, this was only observed in one of the 103 tested samples, where a lead limit was exceeded. This indicates that such incidents are relatively rare in the tolerated situation. Nonetheless, the report emphasizes that vigilance regarding heavy metals remains important, as these substances can accumulate in the body and cause long-term harm. This highlights the value of a controlled approach, as implemented within the closed coffee shop chain experiment.


The report notes that the baseline measurement results are comparable to findings from other countries, such as Switzerland and the United States, where similar contaminants in cannabis have been identified. At the same time, researchers emphasize that the exact toxicological implications of these contaminants, such as pesticides and heavy metals, are not yet fully understood. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of long-term exposure to these substances, particularly with frequent use. Quality standards: responsibility of the industry

Despite the conclusion that the cannabis industry does not perform poorly in many respects under the current tolerated situation, it remains important for the sector to take responsibility for the quality of cannabis. By proactively testing for potential contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants, the industry can take further steps to ensure the safety of its products.

Ultimately, consumers have the right to access a safe and reliable product. Introducing a quality standard within the industry, even under the current tolerance policy, would not only enhance consumer safety but also strengthen confidence in the products sold through coffee shops. By taking this responsibility, the cannabis industry can demonstrate its commitment to safety and transparency, regardless of the outcomes of the closed coffee shop chain experiment. Source:

More information and the full report of the baseline measurement for the closed coffee shop chain experiment can be found at the following link:

 
 
 

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©2024 by Simone van Breda.

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