Questions and answers - Bubatz now! How to become a member of a cannabis association
## Contents
- What exactly are cultivation associations?
- Who can become a member and what should be considered?
- What can cannabis associations do from July 1st?
- Where can associations file applications?
- How much cannabis will members receive?
- What are the remaining requirements?
- Will there be many cannabis associations?
- What's next?
Since three months, cannabis use is legal for adults in Germany – with numerous restrictions and requirements, even allowing for private cultivation, but only up to three plants. Now, from July 1st, associations can start that want to produce larger quantities. However, there are also conditions, and interested parties must go through certain preparations beforehand. Several weeks may pass before planting, harvesting, and the first joints can be rolled.
The controversial law, which allows the possession and cultivation of the drug for personal use, has been in effect since April 1st. The declared goal is to push back the criminal black market, where cannabis is traded with additives and high concentrations. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) argues that there will then be enough legal stock – cannabis can also be produced in special cultivation facilities in the future.
What exactly are cultivation associations?
Now allowed are "cultivation associations", as they are officially called. In other words, something like clubs for adults, in which up to 500 members can cultivate cannabis non-commercially for their own consumption. They must be registered as associations or cooperatives – foundations or companies do not apply. According to the law, it is also necessary to distribute cannabis seeds and cuttings and to provide information on addiction prevention.
Who can become a member and what should be considered?
Members must have lived in Germany for at least six months, and the membership term must be at least three months. This is to prevent drug tourism, according to the Ministry. The board members may not have been convicted of drug offenses. The cultivation area may not be a residential building and may not have conspicuous signs. Advertising is prohibited, as is cannabis consumption on site and within 100 meters of the entrance. A distance of at least 200 meters must be maintained from schools, playgrounds, and other child and youth facilities.
What can cannabis associations do from July 1st?
Associations can now apply for a formal permit. They must provide information such as the membership size, location and size of cultivation areas, expected cannabis annual quantities, safety measures, and a health and youth protection concept. The permit is valid for seven years, and can be extended for another five years. Applications should be calculated with a processing time of three months, as stated from several countries.
Where can associations file applications?
Applications can be filed at the responsible health office or the responsible local authority, depending on the federal state. The application must be submitted in writing and include the required documents, such as the articles of association, proof of membership, and the health and youth protection concept. The application fee is 100 euros. The decision on the application is made by the responsible authority.
The German City Conference lamented that it was only a few days before the start and it was not yet clear everywhere who was responsible for approvals and controls. The states are supposed to determine this, and there are now various places for applications: from the Chamber of Agriculture in Lower Saxony to the Government Presidium in Freiburg for the entire Baden-Württemberg, to the Social Affairs, Youth and Care Office in Rhineland-Palatinate. In Berlin, there is still no regulation. The "fallback responsibility" lies initially with the districts, as stated in the Senate. Which department in the districts is responsible was initially unclear.
How much Cannabis will members receive?
The quantities are limited. At most, 25 grams per member per day and 50 grams per month are allowed. For 18-21-year-olds, monthly consumption of 30 grams with a maximum of ten percent Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is permitted, which is the substance with the psychoactive effect. The clubs may not simply cultivate as much as they want. The permit applies to fixed annual quantities that align with the needs of the members. More must be destroyed. Only members may cultivate, water, fertilize – no paid employees. Members may not give Cannabis to others, only seeds are allowed.
What are the other requirements?
To obtain Cannabis, one must personally receive it on site, present the membership card and an official ID with a photo. Only Cannabis in its pure form is allowed: as dried flowers and flowering leaves (Marihuana) or separated resin (Hashish). Mixtures with tobacco, nicotine or food are prohibited. The packaging must be neutral. On an information label, information on weight, strain, the average THC content, and warnings about the consumption risks must be provided. No purchase price may be charged, the clubs must finance themselves through their membership fees. Regulations for documentation obligations for the clubs and regular official controls are also regulated.
Will many cannabis growing clubs be established?
The demand will now have to be shown. Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert (SPD) spoke of "high interest" in clubs that are in the process of being founded. According to his statements, at least a high three-digit number of clubs could emerge. The Health Ministry based a cost estimate in the draft law on the assumption that 1000 clubs could form in the first year and 500 in the second to fifth year.
What's next?
At the request of the states, the Federal Government sharpened some regulations just beforehand to prevent large Cannabis plantations from emerging. The states can also use the option given in the law to limit the number of Cannabis cultivation clubs in a district or a city to one club per 6000 inhabitants. A final law with Cannabis regulations for drivers and passengers is expected to be approved by the Bundesrat on July 5. For THC in the driver's or passenger's blood, a limit of 3.5 nanograms per milliliter is to be set in the future – similar to the 0.5 promille limit for alcohol. The law with penalties for infringements could come into force still in the summer.
From July 1st, interested individuals in Germany can join these 'cultivation associations' to cultivate cannabis for personal use, exceeding the three-plant limit under the new law. These associations must comply with strict regulations, such as distributing seeds and providing addiction prevention information.
Following the law's implementation on July 1st, it's anticipated that a significant number of cannabis associations will emerge, with the German Drug Commissioner estimating at least a high three-digit number of clubs.
