November , 2025

In the Netherlands, where medicinal cannabis has been prescribable since 2003, only 5% of ~130,000 patients get it from pharmacies—94% opt for homegrow or coffeeshops despite legal risks like prosecution, evictions, and the Damocles Act. The blog explores this trend: A monopolized system (e.g., gamma-irradiated Bedrocan strains losing terps), high barriers, and patient preference for fresh, personalized grows. EU-wide, home cultivation remains illegal for med use, but recreational legalization in places like Germany offers a workaround.