From repression to regulation — a sober look at production, distribution and consumption
LEAP Conference, 30 January 2026, HUB50 Utrecht
During the previous LEAP conference at Utrecht’s HUB50, it became increasingly clear: decades of repressive policies based on drug prohibition have not led to a safer or healthier Netherlands. On the contrary, organised crime, corruption and social disruption are partly the result of a policy that maintains criminal markets and does not sufficiently protect the most vulnerable in society.
The call for a more realistic and effective drug policy is therefore growing louder. But how do we move from repression to regulation — towards a system in which laws and regulations contribute to public health, the rule of law and safety? What would such a regulated system even look like? How do we become compliant throughout the drug supply chain: from production and distribution to consumption?
LEAP NL invites you to this follow-up conference, where together with experts we will explore the ‘how and what’ of scientifically regulated drug policy. Expect sharp analysis, compelling panel discussions, and join an open conversation about the future of (inter)national drug policy — sober, evidence-based and firmly grounded in reality.
Programme:
(Not all speakers have been confirmed yet. Please keep an eye on this page for the final programme.)
- Steve Rolles
Steve Rolles is a leading drug policy analyst and Senior Policy Analyst at Transform Drug Policy Foundation. He advised the government of Uruguay in setting up a strictly regulated cannabis model and works continuously on alternative drug policy strategies that aim to create a safer framework for users and society. He is widely regarded as a key figure in the global movement for drug regulation. Steve will discuss the book series “How to regulate…”: after How to regulate Cannabis, Stimulants, and Psychedelics, a new volume on Ketamine will soon follow, building on the handbook Blueprint for Regulation.
- Masha Fedorova
Professor of International Criminal Law at Radboud University Nijmegen, Fedorova regularly publishes reports on drug policy. Her best-known works include the studies “International Law and Cannabis” Parts I and II, commissioned by the WODC and the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG). These reports clarify the legal room for policy reform within international treaties, international law and human rights. She will outline with us the possible legal preconditions for a compliant drug supply chain.
- Wim van den Brink
As Professor of Addiction Care at the University of Amsterdam, Van den Brink received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dutch Association for Psychiatry. As an emeritus professor, he is internationally recognised as one of the most influential thinkers in addiction science. He holds, among others, chair positions at harm-reduction organisation Mainline, Akwa GGZ and the OPEN Foundation.
As director of the AIAR he helped lay the foundations for heroin-assisted treatment and the Closed Coffeeshop Chain Experiment, on which he will share his insights. In addition, he will discuss research on compliant MDMA distribution and medically supervised cocaine provision.
- Simone van Breda
Starting out as a strategic adviser on the Social Support Act (WMO), Simone later joined coffeeshop chain De Bulldog. With her expertise in social and policy issues, she rose to become chair of the BCD, representing 130 cannabis entrepreneurs. She vigorously defends “her boys” as part of the solution to public order problems, in the interest of public health.
- Gjalt-Jorn Peters
As Associate Professor of Psychology at the Open University, Peters specialises in drug use, risk behaviour, behaviour change and policy interventions. He is also an expert in methodological development and founded the MDMA Think Tank. Other drug policy questions also lend themselves to his innovative, rational and scientific approach, which systematically quantifies weighting factors and sensitivity. Together with Gjalt we will put some of these tools into practice.
- Ann Fordham
Ann Fordham is Executive Director of the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), an international coalition of 200 organisations advocating for evidence-based and human-rights oriented drug policy reform. She works closely with a wide range of policymakers and serves on several strategic UN advisory bodies, from which she promotes an evidence-based and human rights–driven approach. She will share her experiences and expertise in the international drug policy landscape.
- Jana Michailidu
As an advisor on addiction policy for the Czech Ministry of Justice Jana played a key role in drafting and advocating for recent Czech bills regulating cannabis and so called “psychomodulating” substances such as kratom and hemp. Her work bridges science and politics. She aims to bring pragmatic and humane approaches to drug policy and shows current possibilities within European treaties.
Tickets & Info
Registration opens at 9:30 and there will be a reception until 17:00. The conference takes place in the state-of-the-art expertise centre of the National Police, HUB50, at Van Deventerlaan 50 in Utrecht. On-site parking is limited. You are requested to use the P+R, which is a 10-minute walk from HUB50.
IMPORTANT: You must present valid ID upon entry.
We are aware that this can be a sensitive and sometimes controversial topic to discuss. Both the united police unions, the police leadership and the government have acknowledged that it is important to reflect on this issue together. The event is interactive in nature and follows the Chatham House Rules: sharing information is allowed, but it is not permitted to disclose who said what.
Thanks to the support of LEAP International, we are able to offer free tickets. Coffee and lunch are included with your ticket for this inspiring day.
Watch the edits of the latest LEAP Conference at HUB50 here:
We look forward to exploring the alternatives to current drug policy together with you.
