As reported by the Dutch publication Dagblad van het Noorden, one of the growers participating in the closed cannabis chain experiment, Leli Holland, has completed its first cannabis harvest, with products expected to reach retail outlets in about two weeks.
Leli Holland made headlines when horticulture giant Village Farms announced its acquisition, adding the Dutch cannabis operation to its portfolio.
This news comes alongside a report highlighting the challenges faced by the Dutch cannabis experiment since its initial announcement years ago. The report noted, "The selection and designation process of cannabis growers took a long time and was less successful in its implementation during the preparation phase."
2,500 kg of cannabis per year
According to Dagblad van het Noorden, Leli Holland's facility in Drachten is expected to produce 2,500 kilos of cannabis annually. The farm operates in a repurposed factory building and required a significant investment of 10 million euros to become operational.
The Drachten facility is an indoor operation with five flower rooms, as well as dedicated areas for drying, manufacturing, and packaging finished products.
In a press release dated September 24, 2024, it was stated that the first products were expected to hit shelves in the first quarter of 2025. It now appears that this goal is well within reach.
New site
Leli Holland is also preparing for expansion, with a second, larger facility currently under construction in Groningen, in the northern Netherlands.