Cautious regulatory bodies impede legal cannabis growth.
Starting from July, German clubs are allowed to cultivate and trade cannabis. Despite this, none of the clubs plan to construct greenhouses or lease production facilities due to the unavailability of licenses from authorities. Some club members are, however, already taking proactive measures.
Cannabis consumption has been legalized since April 1st, but residents of Germany might have to wait longer than anticipated for the first legally cultivated cannabis. German cannabis clubs can commence growing associations as early as July 1st, but it is doubtful that clubs could begin within three weeks, as revealed by an inquiry with Cannabis Cultivation Associations Germany (CAD). There are approximately 100 existing clubs throughout the country. According to CAD spokesperson Jana Halbreiter, "I don't know any clubs that are currently building greenhouses or other structures."
The challenge, Halbreiter explained, is the lack of planning certainty. The respective states have yet to establish clear regulations for licenses and have not even delegated the responsible authority in most cases. "The authority that needs to be designated then has another three months to either grant or reject the application, which could result in further delays if the entire cycle is utilized." It is also unclear how the prevention work of the clubs is supposed to look.
Most clubs are hesitant to make significant investments due to the absence of planning security, said the CAD spokesperson. "It makes little sense to rush ahead if you don't know where to go." She also advises against signing leases for production facilities. "With the announcement of the key points in April 2023, a great enthusiasm arose, which unfortunately was extinguished by the legal framework conditions and greatly dampened the enthusiasm." It's challenging to predict how many clubs will begin growing this year, as there are discrepancies between the states.
Torsten Dietrich of the Berlin Cannabis Social Club still wants to provide club members with their first cannabis delivery at the beginning of next year. Previously, the association intended to construct a greenhouse. A plot of land was identified, and contracts were drawn up. The application for a growth association would be submitted on July 1st. "I had the hope that we would succeed," offered Dietrich. However, even in Berlin, there is uncertainty as to which authority is responsible. Due to the delays, some members have already departed the club, added Dietrich. Dietrich remains intent on pursuing the timeline, aiming to start cultivating in October.
The Berlin Health Department assured that they are "actively working" to draft a competence ordinance. "There is much pressure to implement - also with regard to the regulations for cultivation associations," said a department spokesperson.
This week, Halbreiter and Dietrich are busy preparing for the hemp fair "Mary Jane," which occurs in Berlin over the weekend. The legalization of cannabis has spurred increased interest. The organizers predict 40,000 visitors. Last year, the fair only attracted around 25,000 people. Approximately 400 exhibitors from across the globe will showcase DIY materials, smoking accessories, as well as medical and cosmetic products made from hemp.
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Despite the federal legislation allowing cannabis clubs to cultivate and trade cannabis, the International Bureaucracy's complex regulatory requirements and the lack of clear state-level licensing protocols are hindering the construction of greenhouses or leasing of production facilities by these clubs. Consequently, the Federal Ministry of Justice's delay in issuing licenses is adversely impacting the timeline for the first legally grown cannabis in Germany.
