The Evoluon in Eindhoven looks like a flying saucer that forgot to leave Earth. On Friday, November 27, nobody inside will be discussing space travel. They'll be talking about the Dutch cannabis industry instead. The PCN Cannabis Congress is back for its fourth year, bringing together business owners, officials and people who spend a lot of their working lives thinking about weed. Broadcaster Bas van Werven will lead the discussions alongside cannabis journalist Derrick Bergman.
One of the big subjects is the Netherlands' regulated cannabis experiment. How is it going for the growers and coffeeshops involved? What's working, and what still needs fixing? This isn't the experiment's official evaluation. It's a chance for people in the industry to say what they're seeing before that happens. Breda mayor Paul Depla is among the speakers, along with representatives from cannabis companies Village Farms and Legacy Brands. There should be more to take home than a pocketful of business cards.
There's plenty else on the schedule. One session looks at synthetic cannabinoids turning up in hash, vapes and edibles. Another asks what happens to independent coffeeshops as bigger chains expand. And the conversation won't stop at the Dutch border. Germany and Spain are on the agenda too. What can the Netherlands learn from the way those countries are handling cannabis? With that many opinions in one building, a little disagreement might be the most interesting part.
At 3:30 p.m., the debate gives way to the Koos Zwart Award and the 2026 Cannabis Industry Awards. The Koos Zwart Award recognises people who've put years of work into cannabis and hemp culture. It's not a prize for whoever sold the most. Drinks follow afterwards. The congress runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., including the closing reception. Professional tickets cost €200 through October 31, then €250. PCN members get in free. Details are at cannabiscongres.nl. And yes, it's all happening inside that enormous flying saucer.
