Kwekers

Kwekers are a term used to refer to farmers or cultivators of marijuana, primarily in the Netherlands. The term is derived from the Afrikaans language, which is spoken in South Africa. It is believed that many of the early kwekers were South African immigrants who introduced their knowledge and expertise in cultivating cannabis to the Netherlands.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Netherlands experienced a significant growth in the popularity of hashish and cannabis, with Amsterdam becoming a major hub for the trade. Many kwekers set up their operations in the city, cultivating and exporting high-quality cannabis to markets around the world. The kwekers played a crucial role in popularizing and commercializing cannabis in the Netherlands.

The kwekers typically operated on a small scale, often growing cannabis in greenhouses or indoor facilities. They would typically specialize in cultivating specific strains, which they would then sell to distributors who would export the product to various markets. Some kwekers also developed their own unique methods and techniques for cultivating cannabis, which they would use to differentiate their product from that of their competitors.

Today, the term kweker is still used to refer to cannabis farmers in the Netherlands. However, the industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with many kwekers transitioning to larger-scale commercial operations. Additionally, the Dutch government has implemented regulations and laws aimed at controlling and taxing the cannabis trade, which has had a significant impact on the kwekers and the industry as a whole.