Foundation · ANBI · International
Recreational Cannabis Foundation
A Dutch ANBI-registered foundation with an international mission: contributing to European and global legislation on recreational cannabis — driven by the public interest of public health and public order.
The foundation
From local to global — Dutch practice, international ambition
The Recreational Cannabis Foundation (RCF) was founded on a clear observation: the global debate on cannabis regulation is in full swing, yet the Netherlands — once a pioneer with its tolerance policy — is now lagging behind internationally. At the same time, fifty years of Dutch practical knowledge risks being lost in that international debate.
RCF advocates for a legal framework that recognises three separate cannabis markets — pharmaceutical/medical, wellness/self-medication, and recreational/adult use — each with its own status, oversight and societal function. The foundation acts in the public interest and does not represent commercial parties or members.
Through the foundation we are building the platform Union of Cannabis Retailers (UCR) — an informal working group at national, European and global level through which we gather practical knowledge from retail and share it with policymakers, researchers and international bodies, such as the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna.
What we do
Six pillars, one mission
RCF works from the public interest towards a future in which recreational cannabis is responsibly regulated — with respect for national diversity and evidence-based policy.
Legalisation & legislation
Contributing to European and global legislation — curbing the illegal market, safeguarding consumer protection, and balancing public health with public order.
Separation of markets
Advocating legal recognition of three markets: pharmaceutical/medical, wellness/self-medication, and recreational/adult use.
International network
Connecting policymakers, researchers and entrepreneurs to share outcomes from national pilots and best practices.
Government & sector together
Constructive collaboration — the sector itself providing standards, training and transparency; regulation without practical knowledge remains incomplete.
Breaking the stigma
Fair, objective public perception through education, practical experience and research — so stigma no longer stands in the way of access to safe options.
Strategic policy development
Publishing policy analyses and contributing to international forums such as the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna.
Platform
Union of Cannabis Retailers
The UCR is an initiative of the foundation and not a separate legal entity, membership organisation or lobby group. It is an informal working group that facilitates dialogue and exchange between stakeholders.
Through UCR we gather practical knowledge from retail — essential input for policy recommendations that are grounded in reality.
National
UCR NL
Practical knowledge from the Dutch coffeeshop sector.
European
UCR EU
Harmonising policy and cooperation between member states.
Global
UCR Global
Connecting regions and contributing to international dialogue.
Support the mission
Help build responsible regulation
Donations go directly towards research, knowledge sharing and international cooperation. As an ANBI-registered foundation, gifts are, under certain conditions, tax-deductible for income tax purposes.