- In four weeks, 43 cannabis clubs apply
In the first four weeks, 43 applications for so-called cannabis cultivation associations have been received in NRW. This was the result of a dpa survey among the five competent regional governments. Almost all applications are currently incomplete. Once all questions from the applicants have been answered, the authorities have another three months to make their decision.
The federal government had stipulated in its law on the partial legalization of cannabis in spring that clubs for the communal cultivation and distribution of cannabis can apply for a permit from July 1st. In NRW, this administrative task has been assigned to the regional governments, which are allowed to hire an additional 20 people for this purpose. Three more positions are planned at the State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection (LANUV).
The additional staff is facing a currently manageable demand. In the Düsseldorf regional government, ten applications were received by July 30th, and 15 in Cologne - all incomplete, according to the authorities. The eight applications in Arnsberg are also not yet complete. Initially, five applications were received in Detmold. The Münster regional government also recorded five applications - all incomplete, as a spokesperson stated.
Earlier statements from the Ministry of Health suggested that the state could permit up to 3000 cultivation associations. This figure is based on the possibility of one cannabis club per 6000 inhabitants. However, the cultivation associations must meet numerous requirements and submit documents.
According to the federal law, the clubs may have a maximum of 500 members, who must be adults and have lived in Germany for at least six months. The cultivation associations must maintain a minimum distance of 200 meters from schools and other children and youth facilities, as well as playgrounds, and meet many other requirements.
Despite the federal government's expectation of up to 3000 cannabis cultivation associations, only a fraction of applications have been completed so far. The process of partial legalization for cannabis clubs in NRW is progressing slowly, with many applications still incomplete, requiring additional time for the authorities to make their decisions.
