Possible since July
280 applications submitted for cannabis cultivation associations
31.08.2024, 09:32
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It is an important issue for the traffic light coalition and is driving many conservative politicians crazy: cannabis legalization. Since July, applications to set up cultivation associations have been allowed. After two months, there are already 280. However, only a fraction of these have been approved.
Following the limited legalization of cannabis for adults, preparations for clubs to grow larger quantities are gradually getting underway. Across the country, more than 280 applications for permits have been received, according to a survey of the relevant state authorities. The most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, is at the top with 69 applications so far. In Lower Saxony, 27 applications have been submitted, and 11 permits have already been granted – in all other states combined, 3.
Since July 1st, non-commercial “cultivation associations” with up to 500 members have been able to start up as the second stage of cannabis legalization in Germany and first apply for a permit. In the clubs, adults can then grow cannabis together and share it with each other for personal consumption. However, numerous conditions apply. In general, smoking weed has been legal for adults with restrictions since April 1st. Since then, it has been permitted to grow up to three plants at a time in private homes, and you can store up to 50 grams of cannabis.
Approvals so far in four countries
Larger numbers of applications for cultivation associations have also been received in Baden-Württemberg, where, according to the responsible regional council in Freiburg, there are now 47 applications. In Bavaria, according to the State Office for Health and Food Safety, 24 applications were submitted by August 28. However, no permits have yet been issued in either state. Apart from Lower Saxony, this has so far only been the case in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Berlin and Rhineland-Palatinate – in each of the three states, a first cultivation association has been permitted.
In their application, clubs must specify, among other things, the number of members, the location and size of the cultivation areas, their expected annual cannabis quantities, security measures and a health and youth protection concept. According to the law, the permit is then valid for a limited period of seven years and can be extended after five years. Processing time is expected to be three months.
There are also guidelines for the distribution of cannabis in clubs. A maximum of 25 grams per member is permitted per day and a maximum of 50 grams per month. For 18- to 21-year-olds, 30 grams per month with a maximum of ten percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the intoxicating substance, are permitted.