The controversial legalization of cannabis for adults has been in effect for five months. Clubs can now also apply for official cultivation permits. Is anything happening yet?
Following the limited legalization of cannabis for adults, preparations for clubs to grow larger quantities are gradually getting underway. Nationwide, more than 280 applications for permits have been received, according to a survey by the German Press Agency of the relevant state authorities. The most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, is at the top with 69 applications so far. In Lower Saxony, with 27 applications submitted, eleven permits have already been granted – in all other states combined, three.
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.
Limited amount of cannabis for club members
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.
Source: Stern
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