Cannabis in Germany – Laws, Use, and History

The German flag and a cannabis plant

It’s illegal to use cannabis in Germany, though the law tolerates small amounts for private use. Some politicians are pushing for complete decriminalisation, though unusually, the majority of the general public are not in favour. However, the market for medicinal cannabis is thriving and soon local medicinal cannabis will be harvested.

    • Capital
    • Berlin
    • Population
    • 82,455,000
    • CBD Products
    • Legal under 0.2% THC
    • Recreational cannabis
    • Illegal
    • Medicinal cannabis
    • Legal since 2017

Cannabis laws in Germany

Can you possess and use cannabis in Germany?

It’s illegal to possess cannabis in Germany, in accordance with the German Federal Narcotics Act (Betäubungsmittelgesetz). Technically, if caught in possession of any drugs, the offender can be punished with up to five years in prison.

However, using cannabis is not listed as an offence. The law offers a range of alternatives to prosecution if the offender is caught with small amounts of cannabis for personal use. These alternatives are decided based on:

  • The involvement of others
  • The offender’s past history
  • Whether or not the public would benefit from the individual’s prosecution

In most cases, German authorities adopt a ‘treatment before punishment’ approach; and often postpone or cancel prison sentences if the offender agrees to receive treatment.

What is a ‘small amount’ of cannabis?

In 1994, the Federal Constitutional Court highlighted the confusion surrounding the term ‘small amount’. At that time, all the German states had different interpretations of what a ‘small amount’ was. The Federal Court of Justice determined that, to decide whether a quantity of cannabis was small or not, the quantity and potency should be taken into account, not the weight. So, for example, a ‘small amount’ of cannabis might contain 7.5 grams of THC (the substance responsible for the ‘high’) or less.

It should be noted that some German federal states are more tolerant than others regarding limited personal use of cannabis.

In those cases, the individual must be able to prove that the cannabis was purely for private consumption and wasn’t going to be sold or supplied to others. Additionally, it must be evident that there was no risk of harm to anyone else (for example, having a minor in the vicinity while using it).

The amount that constitutes ‘for personal use’ varies from state to state – from six grams (in most locations) to 15 grams in Berlin.

Can you sell cannabis in Germany?

The sale and supply of cannabis in Germany is regarded as a more serious offence. If caught, the offender could receive a prison sentence of up to five years, in accordance with the Narcotics Act. The penalty range is increased by one to two, or five to 15 years, if there are other aggravating circumstances. For example:

  • If the cannabis was supplied to minors
  • If minors were involved in the sale or supply
  • If large quantities of cannabis were found
  • If the individual was operating as part of a gang
  • If weapons were found

Can you grow cannabis in Germany?

It’s illegal to cultivate cannabis in Germany, and offenders receive the same penalties as for sale or supply.

In spite of this, the German government has realised the profit-making potential of growing cannabis domestically. At the start of 2019, an official press release stated that 79 bidders had submitted tenders for growing medicinal cannabis in the country; with the final contract being awarded at some point later in the year. 

A cannabis plant in dark colours

Is CBD legal in Germany?

It’s legal to use, purchase and sell CBD under EU law (as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC). However, be aware that there are some ambiguities in the law. It’s legal to purchase a CBD product from a shop, but other forms of low THC cannabis-products may not be.

For example, a hemp bar owner faces prosecution for selling dried hemp flowers in a tea, and is currently awaiting trial. Hemp is regarded as being low in THC, and it’s ambiguous as to whether the consumption of hemp in this form is prohibited or not

A small glass bottle of CBD and a cannabis leaf

Medicinal cannabis in Germany

Germany introduced new legislation in 2017, permitting the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Since then, it’s grown to be the biggest medicinal cannabis market in Europe.

Originally, the law only accepted applications from approximately 1,000 patients. By November 2018, this had risen to 40,000. This makes Germany’s medicinal cannabis programme one of the most robust in the continent. At present, around two-thirds of health insurance companies cover the cost of patients who have been prescribed medicinal cannabis.

Up until 2019, Germany relied solely on imported cannabis products from abroad to meet the needs of their patients. This caused problems, with supply usually not meeting demand. The situation is set to change though, as the country moves forward with developing its domestic industry.

Germany’s first harvest of medicinal cannabis was expected towards the end of 2020. However, the coronavirus pandemic has delayed deliveries.

Two buds of cannabis in a wooden bowl, a medical jar and a pipe

Available medication

Germany currently has three medicinal cannabis products available to patients. These are Sativex, Dronabinol, and Nabilone. However, they are all expensive, which means that some patients can’t afford them (unless they’re covered by their health insurance).

There’s also the option of obtaining cannabis flowers, which are produced by Bedrocan, Tweed and Aurora. These flowers can be purchased at the patient’s own expense, from the pharmacy.

Obtaining a prescription

Patients can find it difficult to obtain a prescription for medicinal cannabis. Medical practitioners are wary of issuing prescriptions, as they’re sceptical about cannabis’s medicinal effects, or still believe there’s a taboo associated with using it. They also encounter substantial hurdles when seeking approval from health insurance companies.

A further obstacle is the German Health Fund’s wariness of insuring pharmaceutical products in general. As it currently only accepts cannabis flowers, costs are high (especially if compared to other forms of cannabis medication).

Industrial hemp in Germany

Hemp cultivation was made illegal in 1982. However, this ban only lasted fourteen years. In 1996, hemp growth was permitted again – largely due to widescale protests from farmers, scientists and enthusiasts.

Since that time, its cultivation has fluctuated. For example, in 1996, 3,500 hectares were used for hemp, plus 750 acres by the Dutch company HempFlax. By 2011, this cultivation had virtually ceased.

In the years that followed this, the hemp market recovered. Now, Germany is one of Europe’s top five growers; though its harvest yields are dwarfed by neighbouring France.

A hemp field with two plants growing taller

Politics and cannabis

The Christian Democratic Union (led by Chancellor Angela Merkel) has historically been against legalising cannabis. Indeed, some MPs in the party want to see the existing laws tightened, not relaxed.

Other parties, such as the Green Party, adopt the opposite stance, and call for cannabis to be decriminalised. In 2017, they proposed a bill, The Cannabis Control Act. This not only proposed the legalisation of recreational use, but also outlined a regulated market for the drug’s cultivation, import, processing and sale.

In fact, aside from the Christian Democratic Union and the far-right AfD, every party represented in the Bundestag supports recreational cannabis legalisation. Some politicians have gone even further. For example, district mayor Monika Hermann called for Dutch-style cannabis cafes to be opened in Berlin.

Good to know

If you are travelling to Germany (or currently live there), you may be interested to know the following:

Cannabis history

Just like many other European countries, cannabis goes back a long way in Germany.

Archaeological digs in Eisenberg, Thuringia (central Germany) show that cannabis was present at least 7,500 years ago. Cannabis seeds were discovered in cave dwellings, indicating that these ancient people may have used them in domestic life. Another dig in Wilmersdorf (now part of Berlin) uncovered cannabis seeds in a funerary urn, dating back 2,500 years.

There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that it played an important part in rural German life after this too. 12th century texts, written by the Benedictine abbess Hildegard von Bingen, claim that cannabis “reduces the bad juices and reinforces the strong ones”, and that it could be used to treat headaches. Her research was respected by many, although the Catholic Church was against the use of the drug.

By the 1400s, use of cannabis for medicinal purposes was well-established. Although the Inquisition tried to stamp out use of traditional herbalism, its practice persisted in Germany. This is largely thanks to the medieval universities, who went to great effort to preserve the country’s historic practices.

During this period, cannabis oil was widely used to treat inflammation, coughs, parasitical infections, gonorrhoea and more.

The trading expeditions to Africa and Asia (around the 1500s) were also significant. Sailors returned with ‘Indian Hemp’; much more potent strains of cannabis. These too were incorporated into medical practice, but their use wouldn’t become widespread until the mid-1800s.

Cannabis never really went away in Germany. It continued to be valued as a medicine, food product and ritualistic plant right until the 20th century, when prohibition began to take hold.

Attitudes to cannabis

Germany exhibits mixed attitudes towards cannabis. On the one hand, numerous politicians, scientists and people advocate decriminalising recreational use. However, the leading political party (the Christian Democratic Union), and many people across the country, are against making cannabis legal.

A survey found that the majority of people in Germany were against decriminalising cannabis for recreational purposes. 70% of the women asked didn’t support its legalisation, compared to just 56% of men. Older people were less in favour of continued prohibition; with 72% of people over the age of 60 voting against. For those under 30, just 43% were in support of legalisation.

Fines or charges?

Although small amounts of cannabis for private consumption is tolerated, numbers of cannabis-related charges are on the rise.

Anyone caught with cannabis will be charged, and it is then regarded as a criminal case. Prosecutors may cancel this (and can issue a fine instead). However, even after the case is dropped, the charge remains on the individual’s record for several years. This is sometimes even recorded on the individual’s driving licence too, even if they hadn’t been using cannabis while in a vehicle.

In 2017, there were 209,204 police investigations into cannabis use. These numbers were considerably higher than the previous year. The charges accounted for 3.9% of all recorded offences; one of the most frequent grounds for investigation. 

It’s an issue that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Politician Marlene Mortler (Christian Social Union) proposed a new system instead; giving offenders the choice of either paying a fine or receiving help from experts. However, with some countries in Europe (and other parts of the world) decriminalising personal use of cannabis entirely, there’s a possibility that Germany may follow suit.

Will cannabis be legalised in the future?

In Germany, a lot is being done (at the time of writing) for the legalisation of cannabis. In the first half of 2020, the number of drug victims increased again. In this context, Karl Lauterbach, an SPD politician and health-policy decisionmaker, called for a gradual liberalisation of recreational use.

In the meantime, the Association of German Advisors in Criminal Investigations (BDK) have also declared themselves in favour of decriminalisation. However, the parliamentary bill proposed by the Greens, who are willing to legalise cannabis, was not passed. In September 2020, the health committee of the Federal Parliament rejected the draft of a new cannabis control law and, for the time being, the recreational consumption of cannabis remains illegal in Germany.

  • Disclaimer:
    While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide legal advice, as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer.

Comments

81 thoughts on “Cannabis in Germany – Laws, Use, and History”

  1. Good article and right to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the
    best place to ask but do you people have any idea where to employ some professional writers?
    Thanks in advance 🙂

    1. Mark - Sensi Seeds

      Good afternoon Georgiana,

      Thanks for getting in touch with us here at Sensi Seeds.
      Unfortunately, I’m unable to provide an answer, as it’s outside of our area of expertise.

      Sometimes our other readers will be able to offer their opinions.
      Sorry I can’t help you further, and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.

      Have a good day,

      Mark

  2. In theory it seems legal to deal in cbd products in Germany <0.2. However CBD is a narcotic in Germany . The recent EU ruling and the hanfbar case in leipzig will force change….hopefully soon. Up until the last few days the armed police, pointing guns and raiding cbd sellers has increased, In the media Germany has tried very hard to give the opinion of tolerance and openness to cbd – and from the outside it appears so. However even though it's available everywhere ino thousands of shops – there is a long line of cbd sellers awaiting trial – with jail threatened. The double standards are obvious to all. German politicians need to realise that its 2021 – women no longer ride side saddle, mutton chops aren't in fashion and the world does move forward. Trade in cbd products in Germany at your own peril.

    1. Mark - Sensi Seeds

      Good morning Jimmy,

      Thanks for your comment and your feedback. We are continuously checking and updating the articles in our ‘Cannabis In’ series, and I have passed your comment to the team. The date of the most recent update can be found at the top of the article.

      Thanks again, and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.

      With best wishes,

      Mark

  3. Hi I want to buy in Germany cbd-thc oil i have cancer, I can get a prescription from my doctor but we don’t know what to write in the prescription and where to go with it, can you help me with some information?

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Kassandra,

      I would love to give you more information, but unfortunately I don’t know more than what’s currently in this article. However, my advice would be to contact one of the German medicinal cannabis patient groups, there may be some on Facebook? Also we have readers from all over the world, some of whom may have experience with this kind of thing and be kind enough to share their knowledge. Hopefully someone will be able to help you 🙂 Sorry I can’t help you further, and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

    2. There are many cannabis pharmacies in Germany- I recommend you search through them online (I.e. Grünhorn Apotheke, ABC Cannabis and many more)
      On their websites you will find a listing of availability and % THC/CBD. It might be a good idea to ask your doctor to call the pharmacy to ask what they would recommend for your particular situation – the pharmacists should be knowledgeable enough to offer possible options. Hope this helps!

  4. Thank you i will check the Embassy and hope to get the write papers. Is there shops to buy it? Don’t mean to bug you. Thanks Chris 😊

    1. I can’t wait to see you County.. it looks beautiful and fun. I love to party and hope to maybe meet up with some of you guys. Me and my wife are coming for 14 days to see Korn and your great food and site’s. Thanks Chris

  5. Hi I’m coming to see Korn in Berlin from united states do I need a medical card to buy some weed and will my card work there. Thanks Chris

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Chris,

      Unfortunately the German medicinal cannabis laws will not allow people to obtain cannabis if they have not got a prescription from a German doctor. Sorry I can’t help you further, and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  6. Charles Tremont

    There is a lot of very helpful information here! Post legalization in Germany, there was an important pricing dispute between the pharmacies and the state health insurance companies.

    healthyeuro/medical-cannabis-germany/

    This article talks about it for those interested.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Elle,

      Unfortunately it’s beyond the scope of this blog to answer that question. I suggest you consult the German Embassy of your country to make sure that you get the correct information. Good Luck!

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  7. The laws in Germany is not the usual and common one but I think we need to respect that. This kind of laws will must likely affect people’s mindset on how to buy cannabis/weed online.

  8. Where can I find some official documents about the CBD’s legal status in Germany?
    Thanks for your help in advance.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Reha,

      The legal status of CBD is a complicated subject which is currently changing so rapidly, it is difficult to keep track of! I recommend that you begin with the Deutsche Hanfverband (German Association for Cannabis, roughly translated) who should hopefully be able to give you the information you are looking for. Sorry I can’t directly answer your question, and in the meantime, I hope that you continue to enjoy our blog.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  9. Is it legal to fly by plane to Germany with cbd edibles? It says it contains hemp seeds

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Dairumz,

      I’m afraid I’m not able to answer this question; my advice would be to check with a legal professional, taking the edible (or at least the wrapper) with you so that they can see the full list of ingredients.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  10. I fell in love with Mr. Bleibtreu the moment I saw him in “Das Experiment”. He is a wonderful actor and I am trying to find all his movies here in America. The only one I’ve been able to watch is the Run Lola. Mr. Bleibtreu is absolutely BEAUTIFUL.

  11. Juergen Meixner

    Thank you, Life <3

    All teachings are given to you to help you, first and foremost. They may help others, but they are given to you, for you, and only after you experience them can you understand how to teach them.

    ✡️✡️✡️ Endocannabinoid System ✡️✡️✡️

    Baruch Haba B'Schem Adonai

  12. Hi,

    Thanks for insightful article.

    What requirements are there to sell a CBD product such as creams/oils in Germany? Can you recommend a good resource or legal firm who can help in this regard?

    Thanks,
    Jonathan

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Jonathan,

      Thank you for your comment. I’m afraid I do not have an answer for your question as this is quite specialist, but I will check with our German-speaking team members and if they have any ideas for contact details, I will let you know.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

    2. Olivier - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Jonathan, it is legal to use isolate CBD for cosmetics. CBDdepot.eu is a steady provider of CBD isolates and works closely with officials. Maybe they can answer your questions or point you in the right direction. Good luck! Olivier

  13. Question for you! What are the laws in germany regarding cultivation? For personal use (like 6 plants) and what could be the possible penelties if caught with plants in your home?

  14. hi, iam from denmark and iam driving with my friends to netherland, thats mean that i have to cross germany. me and my friends are thinking about to smoke som marijuana, but we are afraid that the police will stop us they way back to denmark in germany. i been searching around about the rules for marijuana driver, but coundt get that much infomation. my question is.

    What it the rules for EU drivers that smoke weed a day or two before visiting Germany?

    do u know if people that drive from netherland to germany will have bigger chance to be stoppet at the border?

  15. Carla Kerstan

    Hi,
    there is no mention of CBD oil here. Is that legal in Germany? Specifically the brand Phyto/ Found in Nature. It is certified organic and contains THC<0.05% – below EU legal standards.

    thanks!

      1. Carla Kerstan

        Hi Olivier, thanks for your reply! Do you have the link to the legal document that states this? I am somehow struggling to find the official legislation regarding this. All the best, Carla

      2. i am also interested in more information regarding cbd products in germany. what are the import laws like? what if i order products from the US and it goes through customs?

      3. Olivier - Sensi Seeds

        Hi Matt, it’s important to realize that while Cannabis is getting legalized in a lot of states it is still illegal on a federal level. That’s why I don’t recommend ordering from the US. CBD products are legal in Germany. We also ship from the Netherlands to Germany. Have a look at our webshop.

  16. I am from Arkansas USA where any amount of marijuana could get a person 5yrs-whatever time in jail. It’s a stupid backward state. I have bi-polar depression and rheumatoid arthritis and take 10 different very strong drugs. Marijuana gives me an appetite when nothing else helps but I must buy illegally. The state and federal government spends untold money fighting marijuana when opioids are a rampant problem. One of my prescribed drugs is OxyContin, to be used as needed, 3 months supply at a time. Go figure! Love Germany for its tolerant attitude.

  17. andrew Davidson

    Thankyou so much,its a good,well written article and helps keep all interested people up to date with the latest news,views and results of this unrolling process of the farcical,genocidal,terriable anti cannabis laws that have oppressed the earth and humans for to many years,well done and thankyou to you all for preserving the eseential seeds and culture in Holland,Angels bless and guide us all ways.

  18. wtf, my post has been manipulated – it should read:

    > well, you tell me how Im supposed to get high from so thats why I pay 3-4 times as much in taxes as a police officer does?

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi James,

      Your comment was posted exactly as it was received. The sentence you quote here is exactly the same as the sentence in your original comment:

      > well, you tell me how Im supposed to get high from so thats why I pay 3-4 times as much in taxes as a police officer does?

      Best wishes,

      Scarlet

  19. To tell the truth, nothing makes me feel more discriminated than said topic:
    – you only smoke weed to get high!
    > well, you tell me how Im supposed to get high from so thats why I pay 3-4 times as much in taxes as a police officer does?
    – you will never reach anything in your life!
    > so thats why I made it to a job, which you would normally have to go through uni for?

    If this doesnt turn around any time soon, I will start pointing my finger on any one wearing a suit, because all that “those people” are trying to do is distract from theyr disgusting intentions! which wouldnt be cool either now would it? Specially since its always the same, some people mess up and every one else takes the blame, because no one wants to see any form of guilt in themselves – well, grow the f*** up!!!

    PS: sorry to any one if I might have gotten a little too emotional…

  20. I think the current laws outside the UNITED States will relax hopefully. The US Government is making huge profits and also holds 22 patents on CBD & THC. It took many news shows on the TV with Doctors touting the benefits of Canabis before they started legalizing it. We also have an organization here; Americans For Safe Access that lobbied the Government on our behalf. The prices of Canabis are high in the US too. Better to grow your own, that way you know what you’re smoking. All Natural herb. Over here you just pick up clones from the Dispensery which range in price from $14-$18 each US. I would like to be able to travel and smoke, but not if it’s a risky proposition, maybe your Government should know that!

  21. I think the Plant should be free of any restrictions, People should be able to grow as many Cannabis plants as fruit tree`s or potatoes or Aloe Vera plants, People would grow what they need. it would allow company’s to grow and sell Cannabis instead of the Gangsters. it would stop the Police harassing the normal non criminal People and then maybe they mite catch some real criminals, like bankers , corrupted politicians , thieves, bully`s and rapist`s. this is just my opinion. but I don`t think that it would work in this insane World we live in. it would be to much like Peace.

  22. Dear
    I can supply 100 tons of Cannabis seeds of afghanestan
    please let me know your wishes
    Thank you

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Davood,

      Thank you for your comment and this offer, however we do not have a need for this.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  23. The legal highs were banned in UK this year , I tryed a synthetic cannabis one and got in a rite mess , people I knew are dead , its been 18 mths since I touched anything like that , its nothing like weed if weed was legal no one would buy that other rubbish

  24. keep up the great fight I am manifesting tat one day you will be able to go to a dispensary and buy a gram for about $5.00 like I do here in Colorado.
    greetz and 1<3 to all my german actvist friends

  25. Margaret du Plessis

    I know for certain that this works – the tea and ointment. Just wish we were legally able to use it here in South Africa. It is put on the earth to use and not abuse!!!!!!!!!!!!

  26. Word is going around the world big time about the healing of herbal grown to standards medicinal cannabis. Too many healing on MC and without the opiate side effects. Popular demand will win the day – just keep asking, demanding herbal MC

    1. I agree WK but unfortunately it’s going to take a long fucking time. Especially with this new government in place..

  27. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous job.

  28. Mark Mollan

    A truly comprehensive hemp agency shall concern itself with far more than the creation and maintenance of health and security through capital alone

  29. this “Grenzwertskommision” is pure hypocrisy; you get banned from driving even if you do not drive with 1 nanogram, but if you’ve been caught smoking pot on the streets by foot!

  30. and again Europe is running after America
    the great inventors of the universe……

    first they prohibited and wonder why
    it gets prohibited on a whole planet
    initiated by the pharmacy.

    and now that america is taking a greedy
    and stupid step in feeding the same stupid pharmacy
    which initiated prohibition in first place

    germany runs after them like a little child
    like it had no clue where else to go.

    you dont have to prescribe nature to humans.
    you can educate them instead.

    but this whole medical Cannabis stinks.
    legalize that NATURE GIVEN PLANT
    and stop patronizing people
    having NO clue yourself.

    absurd

  31. Susan Nielsen

    I am very interested. Denmark has a no tolerance policy.
    Thinking about moving to either Colorado or
    Far East. Guess why ?

  32. Eugene Haller

    I have read about how the use of cannabis became illegal in the US in the early 20th century. I have tried through the computer to find out how cannabis became illegal in Germany. It all seemed to be coordinated in the 1920s . Can you shed some light on the subject?

    1. Read the book Cannabis, a history by Martin Booth. Its an excellent in depth read about the subject, you will Find the answers you’re looking for, plus a lot of interesting information. The criminalization of cannabis is explained midway in that book.

  33. Lol its crappy here and I dread to think wut the fools put in the powders and pills they all rip each other with ,also Boxhagner Platz is also full of bad drugs from nasty peoples ,and thanks for doing this for us all

  34. Go on mate, keep pushing on, ive got rynauds and arthtitis which cannabis really helps.
    We in the uk are allowed nothing!

  35. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

    As we have just learned from Günter Weiglein, the BfArM has gone into appeal against this decision. The three patients, who in July in front of the Cologne court won the right to cultivate medicinal cannabis, must therefore continue to wait for the final necessary permission.

    The lawyer for Günter, Matthias Schillo, wants to go before the Federal Constitutional Court with the case, if necessary: “On the grounds that no other remedy for his pain helps”.

    It is an affront to human dignity and decency when a ban such as this withholds necessary medicine from people!

    The Sensi Seeds team will continue to do everything within our power to reverse this situation.

    Anyone who has not yet signed this petition, please do so if you are able to (check the link for details of whether you live in a permitted area)

    https://epetitionen.bundestag.de/content/petitionen/_2014/_05/_30/Petition_526

  36. Russ Hudson

    I wonder if, like most things, the balance must be struck somewhere in the middle – something Germany is typically good at. Meaning, there are two sides to the cannabis consumption equation – recreational and medical. Germany my do best with a model that embraces this duality by granting licenses specifically for private, medically-oriented clubs, and a limited number of licenses for recreational clubs that are more accessible to the public, sort of like “bars.”

    If anyone can regulate CSC’s properly, it’ll be Germany first, despite the US’s advanced state of legalization.

  37. Farid- thanks a lot for your comment. Sorry i did not emphazize on the French and the Belgium Situation, but at least i linked them :-). this article was meant to put a light on the German situation and possibilities for the future and to encourage people to bring a petition to their local parliament. So far we can proudly present Berlin and Frankfurt having voted for the model, and at least 10 cities where such a petition is filed by one ore more citizens and still in progress. this “instruction” must be focused on Germany bebause it s a legislative procedure.
    Which does not mean i am not planing an article with the european focus, including more details about encod and France.

  38. Dear Friends,

    Thanks for your interest Micha, and try to inspire your german fellows about Cannabis Social Club alternative model, but if I could have suggested you my prior advices, you should have mentionned ENCOD, and its European Code of Conduct. This in order to avoid the paradox, between a grassroot “global civil desobeidience” model of regulation cheered by citizen operating a non profit association, and many other situation that are occuring because of “grey zone” of each states rule of law on cannabis.

    Also because I remain one of its inventor together with Martin Barriuso, Joep Oomen (who should have been quoted in your article to clearly give lights on Spain and Belgium), Virginia Montanez, Andre Furst, Laurent Appel and many others like Steffen Geyer in Germany , who tried to define sharply : cannabis social club as a “citizen group of non profit growers/consumers = prodUsers”. I insist that there is a gap between “cannabis cafe/cannabis club” wich are bluntly “Cannabis Commercial Club/Cannabis Buyers club”, and a non profit organisation that gathered peoples with a “social common interest”…

    Also, I could have told you more about France, because things are still moving forward. But it can may be be the next article ?

    Best regards,
    FARId

  39. Thanks a lot for the comment. I do know the Barcelona CSC-scene very well and did not mention it on purpose. Within the last years i travelled and visited clubs all over Spain. The reason why i did not mention the Catalan, especially the Barcelona Clubs, is the extraordanriy position they have in my eyes. Durings my vistis I never had the impression the Clubs become commercialized somehow, with the exception of Barcelona. Here i even got offered memberships in the streets like in older Ramblas times. So i must agree the Barcelona Modell gives too much points for critics, because the clubs are just too big, too unpersonal und to easy to access.
    But i have been to a lot of Clubs that realize the dangers of the model and set up rules concerning maximum number of members etc. A CSC model needs as well to emphazine on personal structures, the key words are social controll and prevention of problematic consumption patterns. I know that the Barcelona model also has to face the critics of smaller clubs/associatons, because a lot of those clubs work with very strict rules and never had any problems so far, they fear the “open” CSC model in Barcelona will have negative effect on their work. But nevertheless i do think a CSC Model like i experienced it in San Sebastian or Valencia is the best solution for the land of clubs and assosiations—Germany. Of course the CSC system has to get rid of it’s childhood deseases, but that should be a questions of experience and time, not a basic one.

  40. Russ Hudson

    Sorry Michael, but this article doesn’t quite present the reality that is the cannabis club scene in Spain. Most clubs have hundreds of members, while about 40% of the clubs I am a member of in Barcelona have thousands of members. In fact, in an interview I did for TheLocal.es last month (which was published yesterday), a number of problems with the social club scene are outlined. Furthermore, legislation is coming in June (to Catalonia, anyway) that will seek to significantly restrict, control, align and regulate the clubs. This means that things could and probably will change dramatically in the next few months. So Germany using Spain’s social clubs as a model probably isn’t a good idea, considering Spain hasn’t gotten it right yet. Not even close. If you’d like to learn more about how cannabis social clubs in Barcelona work, please see my article titled “10 Things You Need to Know About Barcelona Cannabis Clubs”.
    Of course, don’t get me wrong – I am deeply connected to the cannabis club communities in Barcelona and I think it is absolutely critical that the clubs be regulated, but also that they be freer to operate and help more people without all the potentially damaging grey areas that exist in the Spanish laws today. The social club scene is a good thing for Barcelona, but before other countries go modeling after Spain, they should do a little bit more homework to ensure they don’t make the same mistakes.

  41. Hearing this news about a legal and affordable cannabis treatment is difficult in Germany in this website which is so important to know. After all I am so pleased to read out this instructions in this website at all. After all I am so excited and hope that this law blog may come to help us in the future.

  42. Kaihthrina wellia

    Hearing this news about a legal and affordable cannabis treatment is difficult in Germany in this website which is so important to know. After all I am so pleased to read out this instructions in this website at all. After all I am so excited and hope that this law blog may come to help us in the future.

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    Sensi Seeds

    The Sensi Seeds Editorial team has been built throughout our more than 30 years of existence. Our writers and editors include botanists, medical and legal experts as well as renown activists the world over including Lester Grinspoon, Micha Knodt, Robert Connell Clarke, Maurice Veldman, Sebastian Maríncolo, James Burton and Seshata.
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    Maurice Veldman

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