The article discusses a new experiment in the Netherlands where coffee shops like 'The Baron' will start offering 'legal cannabis' from government-approved suppliers starting December 15. The owner, Rick Brand, is excited about the prospect of selling high-quality, pure cannabis without the current legal ambiguities. Although cannabis is tolerated in the Netherlands, it is not fully legal, and coffee shops often operate in a grey area with stock from potentially criminal sources. The experiment aims to provide clarity and better quality products for consumers. The trial will last four years and begin in Breda and Tilburg, with plans to expand to other cities including Amsterdam. The initiative has political opposition, and there are concerns about the impact on youth and the potential increase in hard drug trafficking.

The Groningen gas field in the Netherlands, Europe's largest, is set to cease production on October 1, with the possibility of a one-year extension in case of severe winter conditions. Residents have experienced earthquakes for over two decades due to drilling operations, causing psychological distress and property damage. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the closure amid global energy supply concerns. Despite the end of production, seismologist Laslo Evers warns that earthquakes may continue for several years due to the time needed for the gas reservoir to stabilize. Locals have faced bureaucratic challenges in receiving compensation for quake-related damages, and the region's soft soil exacerbates the impact of the tremors on structures not designed to withstand such events.

Geert Wilders' far-right ambitions to become Prime Minister face a setback as a potential coalition partner exits negotiations. Despite this, the political deadlock and potential new elections could serve as a springboard for his party. The article highlights the transparency issues and the impact of the Nouveau contrat social party's decision to leave the coalition talks.

The article discusses a new experiment in the Netherlands where coffee shops like 'The Baron' will start selling government-approved 'legal cannabis' from December. Owner Rick Brand is looking forward to offering high-quality, pure cannabis products without the uncertainty of illegal supply chains. The experiment aims to bring clarity and legality to the sale of cannabis, which has been tolerated but not legal in the country. The trial will begin in Breda and Tilburg and later expand to Amsterdam. The initiative has political opposition, and there are concerns about the impact on youth and the rise in hard drug trade. The experiment will last four years, and its outcomes will be closely watched.

The far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), led by Geert Wilders, has won the Dutch legislative elections according to exit polls by Ipsos, securing 37 seats in the lower house of Parliament. This marks a significant political shift in the Netherlands, surpassing the ruling People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), which has been in power for the last thirteen years under Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The VVD, led by Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius, hoped to become the first female and first Prime Minister of foreign origin, but only managed to secure 24 seats. The social democrats and ecologists, led by Frans Timmermans, came in second with 25 seats. The election results indicate a potential for a deep political crisis and challenging coalition negotiations ahead.

A new centrist party, created just three months ago, is leading the polls for the Dutch legislative elections on November 22. Another recently established party became the leading political force in the Senate and provincial councils last March. These rapid rises are causing concern among traditional parties. Pieter Omtzigt, who launched his own party, is particularly gaining attention in the Netherlands, overshadowing the leaders of traditional parties.

Rick Brand, the owner of 'The Baron', a Dutch coffee shop, is preparing to participate in a government experiment starting December 15, where he will offer government-approved 'legal cannabis'. Despite the common belief, cannabis is not legal in the Netherlands but is tolerated. Coffee shops like 'The Baron' operate in a legal grey area, often receiving stock from unregulated sources, which can sometimes contain pesticides or other additives. The experiment aims to provide legal clarity and better quality products for consumers. It will initially take place in Breda and Tilburg, with plans to expand to other cities including Amsterdam. The initiative has political opposition, and there are concerns about the impact on youth and the potential increase in hard drug trafficking.

The Dutch royal family and the Netherlands have been shaken by the discovery that Prince Bernhard, the late husband of former Queen Juliana, was a member of Adolf Hitler's Nazi party. Despite his previous denials, a membership card from 1933 was found in his personal files, confirming his affiliation. The revelation has sparked calls for an inquiry into his Nazi past, but Prime Minister Mark Rutte has rejected these demands. The current King Willem-Alexander has acknowledged the emotional impact of this news, particularly on the Jewish community. The royal family's popularity has been declining, with recent polls indicating a significant drop in public confidence and increased support for the Netherlands becoming a republic. This comes after a series of public relations missteps by the royal family during the Covid pandemic.

Recent revelations about the Nazi past of Prince Bernhard, the grandfather of the current Dutch King Willem-Alexander, have sparked outrage in the Netherlands amidst already waning popularity of the royal family. The royal house confirmed the existence of a NSDAP membership card dated 1933 attributed to Prince Bernhard. Historian Flip Maarschalkerweerd discovered the card in the private archives of Prince Bernhard at Soestdijk Palace. Despite previous media revelations and denials by Bernhard until his death in 2004, calls for a government investigation have been made, with the CIDI, a Dutch Jewish organization, also demanding an inquiry. The royal family's popularity has declined, with only 38% of Dutch citizens expressing 'real trust' in the king, down from nearly 80% in 2020. The family faced criticism for attempting a secret vacation to Greece during the COVID-19 travel restrictions and were booed during a political ceremony day in The Hague.

The reopening of the Groningen gas field in the Netherlands has caused significant concern among local residents. The European Commission is investigating the advantages granted by the Belgian state to Engie, similar to a previous inquiry into gas plant support mechanisms. The article highlights the local impact and regulatory scrutiny surrounding the energy sector.