Bedrocan transitions toward new medicinal cannabis framework in the Netherlands

As announced by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport in parliamentary letters, the relationship between the Office of Medicinal Cannabis (OMC) and Bedrocan is changing. After 20 years as the primary supplier to the Dutch government, Bedrocan is now transitioning toward a new medicinal cannabis supply model amid policy changes.

Throughout this transition, the OMC has ensured that medicinal cannabis produced by Bedrocan remains available to Dutch pharmacies in 2026. This is intended to keep patient supply steady until the upcoming legislative changes take effect.

CEO Jaap Erkelens remains optimistic about the transition: “While this transition was expected following previous announcements by the Minister of Health, our intention is to ensure a continuous supply of medicinal cannabis to the Dutch market in the future.” Bedrocan produces five varieties of medicinal cannabis in the Netherlands with different THC and CBD ratios.

Change to the Opium Act

Bedrocan is looking forward to the implementation of a new medicinal cannabis policy in the Netherlands. A central part of the new policy is a proposed amendment to the Opium Act. In letters to Parliament, the Ministry of Health has indicated it intends to limit the role of the OMC to issuing import and export licenses. The OMC was originally founded to make the medicinal cannabis program possible in the Netherlands.

Erkelens: “The reduced role of the OMC would potentially create more opportunities for production and distribution of medicinal cannabis for companies like Bedrocan.” The Ministry has indicated the new Opium Act will go into effect in 2027. Until the new legislation is enacted, the OMC remains responsible for supplying medicinal cannabis to pharmacies in the Netherlands and abroad.