The Netherlands‘ largest legal cannabis producer, CanAdelaar, has been ordered to significantly reduce odor emissions from its massive greenhouse complex or face potential closure, authorities announced Wednesday. The ruling comes after persistent complaints from nearby residents about the pervasive smell emanating from the facility.
The decision by a Dutch court underscores the challenges of balancing the economic opportunities presented by the country’s regulated cannabis experiment with the quality of life for surrounding communities. CanAdelaar,which operates a greenhouse spanning the equivalent of seven soccer pitches,is a key participant in a controlled trial allowing licensed growers to supply cannabis to select coffee shops. The trial’s future – and the broader viability of regulated cannabis production in the Netherlands – could hinge on CanAdelaar’s ability to address the odor issue.
The regional environmental agency, DCMR, confirmed the judge’s assessment that the odor nuisance has been “very severe since 2023.” The judge also expressed doubt that measures proposed by CanAdelaar would deliver sufficient betterment quickly enough, according to DCMR.
A company director, speaking to Dutch public broadcaster NOS, expressed confidence in meeting the requirements. “we’ve been installing air filters since the beginning of the month,” he said, “and more are on the way. I think we are on the right track to further limiting the nuisance.”
CanAdelaar’s greenhouse complex is located in [location not specified in source text]. CNN has reached out to CanAdelaar for further comment.
