From July 1st, Cannabis Clubs in Germany Are Allowed to Start Operating

From July 1st, 2024, a new phase of cannabis legalization will come into effect in Germany, allowing the creation of cannabis clubs. This legal change is a significant step towards regulating the cannabis market, with the aim of reducing the black market and promoting responsible consumption. Cannabis clubs aim to create a safe and controlled environment for cannabis users, offering an alternative to illegal sources.

The new federal law on cannabis clubs, which went into effect July 1st, allows cannabis clubs to be established from that date. These clubs can have up to 500 members and grow and distribute up to 50 grams of cannabis per person per month. The goal is to create a regulated environment for cannabis consumption, separating themselves from illegal markets and promoting responsible use.

Problems and uncertainties for cannabis clubs

The process of obtaining permits to operate cannabis clubs could face potential delays. Susanne Schneider, the FDP’s spokesperson for health policy, expressed concerns about the maximum time for approval or rejection of an application, which is three months. Different regional regulations could further complicate the process.

The regional governance structure in Germany varies from state to state, leading to different approaches, for example in Brandenburg and Berlin. Club founders face challenges due to a lack of information and existing business models. Sascha Siebenäuger, chairman of the future cannabis club, stressed the need for flexibility and cooperation with the authorities.

New opportunities for cultivation associations

Since July 1, 2024, it has been legal to cultivate cannabis on a larger scale through cultivation associations. Since April 1, it has already been legal to cultivate cannabis for personal use. Cultivation associations can now produce larger quantities of cannabis, provided that certain requirements are met. Members of these associations must have lived in Germany for at least 6 months, and the minimum membership period is 3 months.

Consuming cannabis is prohibited on the association’s premises and within a radius of 100 meters of its entrance. In addition, cultivation must take place at least 200 meters from schools and playgrounds to ensure the safety of children and adolescents.

The application process for cultivation associations requires detailed information such as number of members, location, cultivation area, expected yield, safety measures and a health and youth protection concept. These applications are processed by various responsible bodies in the individual states, for example the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture or the Freiburg Government Presidium. The processing time for applications is around 3 months.

Restrictions and regulations

Growing associations must adhere to numerous restrictions and regulations. Each member can possess a maximum of 25 grams of cannabis per day and 50 grams per month. For people aged 18-21, the limit is 30 grams per month with a maximum THC concentration of 10%. Prohibitions include no advertising, no on-site consumption and mandatory record keeping.

Only members can grow, water and fertilize plants – no employees can be hired for these tasks. Transferring cannabis to others is prohibited, only transferring seeds is allowed.

Logistics and practical aspects of cannabis clubs

The process of collecting cannabis by members requires personal appearance at the site, presentation of membership card and ID. Permitted forms of cannabis are dried flowers and leaves (cannabis) and separated resin ( hashish ). Mixtures with tobacco, nicotine or food are prohibited.

The packaging must be neutral, and the label must include information such as weight, variety, average THC content, and warnings about the risks of consumption. The associations are financed through membership fees, and hemp cannot be sold.

The future of cultivation associations

The forecasts for the number of cultivation associations indicate a high level of interest in establishing clubs. Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert speaks of “high interest” in the process of establishing associations. It is estimated that around 1,000 associations will be established in the first year, and 500 in the following years.

It is possible that the number of associations will be limited to one per 6,000 inhabitants. The new regulations on drivers and THC blood limits envisage introducing a limit of 3.5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood, which is comparable to a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 per mille. The regulations are to be approved by the Bundesrat on 5 July and could come into force in the summer.

The new phase of legalization of cannabis in Germany introduces cannabis clubs and cultivation associations, which aim to create a regulated environment for cannabis consumption. Despite many restrictions and challenges, public interest is high.

The future of cannabis clubs and cultivation associations in Germany depends on the effectiveness of the regulations and cooperation with the authorities. The new regulations aim to reduce the black market and promote responsible cannabis consumption, which can have positive social and economic effects.

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(Featured image by Jeff W via Unsplash)

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First published in FaktyKonopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the articles from the originals. In case of discrepancy, the originals will prevail.

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