Key date July 1 - Only a few applications for cannabis cultivation associations
In North Rhine-Westphalia, a few Cannabis growing associations filed applications for permits starting July 1st, as revealed by a dpa survey of the responsible district administrations. According to the Health Ministry, the processing of applications can last up to three months.
The Federal law, which has been in effect since April for the partial legalization of Cannabis, stipulates that clubs can apply for a permit for collective cultivation and distribution of Cannabis from July 1st. The administrative responsibility for this has been assigned to the five district administrations, which are allowed to hire additional personnel for this purpose.
According to a spokesperson, the first applications have been submitted in the Regierungsbezirk Duesseldorf, but a specific number could not yet be named by the authority. Three applications have been filed at the Bezirksregierung Köln by Tuesday, and one in Detmold. At the Bezirksregierung Arnsberg, there were initially "three incomplete applications," according to a spokesperson. The Bezirksregierung Münster reported no applications yet.
According to the Health Ministry's statements, the state intends to allow up to 3000 growing associations. This number is derived from the fact that one Cannabis club would be possible for every 6000 inhabitants.
- The Growers' association in North Rhine-Westphalia is eagerly awaiting the BMG's decision on their Cannabis permit application, as they submitted it before the July 1st deadline.
- The Government of North Rhine-Westphalia's Administration has been under pressure to process the growing number of Cannabis permit applications from associations in a timely manner, with Düsseldorf leading the pack.
- The Drugs Society in Düsseldorf has expressed concern over the lengthy three-month processing period for Cannabis permit applications, urging the BMG to expedite the process.
- The Bezirksregierung Arnsberg, responsible for parts of North Rhine-Westphalia, is currently reviewing several incomplete Cannabis permit applications and is working closely with BMG to ensure compliance with the federal law.
- As the deadline for Cannabis permit applications approaches, the NRW Government faces increasing scrutiny from local and federal officials, raising questions about its commitment to implementing the partial legalization of Cannabis in a democratic and efficient manner.
