Fuente: Prohibición Partners Lugar: General Market Overview



Germany’s Cannabis Control Bill (CanG) came into effect on 1 April 2024, marking the country’s most significant step toward cannabis legalisation in modern European history. The law — part of Germany’s Two-Pillar Model — legalised possession, consumption, and limited home cultivation of cannabis for adults, while introducing Cannabis Cultivation Associations (or Cannabis Social Clubs) as regulated, non-commercial sources of supply.



This first stage, known as Pillar One, represents a “quasi-legalisation” model that decriminalises consumption and enables structured access outside of commercial retail. It is designed to reduce the illicit market, protect young people, and prioritise public health and harm reduction.



The second stage, Pillar Two, would allow for regional pilot projects to test commercial supply chains — akin to Switzerland’s and the Netherlands’ adult-use models. However, following the 2025 change in government, with the Christian Democrats (CDU) assuming power, progress on these commercial pilots has effectively stalled.



Despite political uncertainty, hundreds of cultivation associations have now received licences, and the model is operational nationwide, with Germany emerging as Europe’s most populous legal adult-use market.



Regulatory Framework



The CanG outlines the legal basis for adult-use cannabis under Pillar One, covering possession, consumption, home cultivation, and the formation of cultivation associations.



Key Provisions:




Possession: Adults (18+) may legally possess up to 25g of cannabis in public and 50g at home.



Home Cultivation: Up to three plants per adult, provided they are kept secure and inaccessible to minors.



Distribution: It remains illegal to sell, share, or give cannabis to others, even between friends.



Consumption: Permitted in pedestrian zones between 20:00 and 07:00, but prohibited within 100 metres of schools, playgrounds, or youth facilities.




Legal and Administrative Framework:




The Federal Ministry of Health oversees the CanG’s implementation.



Enforcement and licensing of Cannabis Associations fall under state authorities, resulting in varied implementation between Länder.



Administrative offences under the CanG can result in fines up to €30,000, though the severity varies by federal state.




Retroactive Legal Relief:The CanG applies retroactively, enabling individuals previously convicted of cannabis-related offences (now legal under the new framework) to apply for record expungement or sentence reduction.



Road Traffic Act Amendment (June 2024):Germany revised its THC-driving limits, raising the blood serum threshold from 1 ng/mL to 3.5 ng/mL, aligning policy with evidence-based impairment standards. Combined alcohol and THC use remains prohibited, with stricter limits for new drivers.



Cannabis Cultivation Associations



Since 1 July 2024, Cannabis Cultivation Associations (Anbauvereinigungen) have been able to apply for licences to grow and distribute cannabis to their members. These non-profit organisations form the cornerstone of Germany’s Pillar One framework.



Key Regulations:




Membership: Maximum of 500 members per association.



Distribution Limits:

Adults (21+): Up to 25g/day and 50g/month.



Adults (18–21): Up to 25g/day and 30g/month, with maximum 10% THC cap.





Prohibited Products: Associations cannot distribute solvent-based extracts, edibles, or infused products.



Location Rules: Must be 200m away from schools or youth facilities.



Health & Safety: Each association must appoint a Prevention Officer and implement a youth protection and harm reduction plan.



Consumption: On-site consumption is strictly prohibited.




Licensing and Implementation:As of May 2025, around 660 applications have been submitted nationwide, with approximately 237 permits granted. The rollout has been uneven due to state-level discretion in licensing.




Leading states: North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate (~50% of total permits).



Slow adopters: Bavaria and Saarland, where political resistance has delayed permit issuance.




Example: Cannabis Social Club Ganderkesee (Lower Saxony):




First to distribute cannabis: 2 November 2024.



Membership: Free, but members contribute between €250–€500 (one-time) or €50–€500/month, which functions as credit toward purchases.



Products: Six strains (9–25% THC).

Flower: €8–€12/gram



Seeds: €6.70–€9.80 each



Cuttings: €12 each






The Ganderkesee model exemplifies how associations balance cost recovery, quality control, and community engagement while operating within strict non-commercial limits.



Pilot Projects (Pillar Two)



Pillar Two aims to establish scientific pilot projects for commercial cannabis supply chains — permitting sales through regulated retail outlets in select municipalities.



However, as of March 2025, no national legislation has been introduced to operationalise these pilots. Instead, cities and universities are seeking approval to conduct scientific studies under the Consumer Cannabis Science Competence Ordinance (KCanWV).



Status (March 2025):




28 municipalities in 10 federal states are exploring or preparing applications for pilot projects.



The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) oversees implementation, permitting, and compliance.



26 applications have been formally submitted to the BLE.




Despite municipal enthusiasm, the change in government has created major obstacles. The new Agriculture Minister, Alois Rainer (CSU, Bavaria), is a vocal critic of cannabis reform, casting doubt on whether any pilot projects will move forward.



Example: Hanover Pilot Proposal




Led by Hanover Medical School (MHH) in partnership with the city government.



Planned recruitment of 4,000 participants.



Study goals:

Assess effects of regulated sales on consumer behaviour and illicit markets.



Evaluate public health and youth protection outcomes.






These pilot initiatives remain in developmental limbo, pending federal approval and political will.







Stay Informed with the Insights Hub



Germany’s adult-use framework continues to evolve, creating both challenges and opportunities for patients, policymakers, and businesses. To access deeper analysis, data, and market forecasts, join our Insights Hub — your gateway to industry intelligence across global cannabis markets.




Sign Up Now For Free








Market Outlook



Germany’s adult-use cannabis reform remains Europe’s most ambitious but politically contested model.



Short-Term Outlook (2025–2026):




Expansion of cultivation associations across most federal states.



Continued administrative delays in conservative regions.



Growth in quasi-legal home cultivation and non-profit distribution networks.




Medium-Term Outlook (2026–2029):




Scientific pilot projects could still advance in select progressive municipalities if administrative pathways remain open.



If successful, they could inform future national commercial regulation under a new political climate.




Despite political setbacks, Germany’s reform under the CanG represents a major step toward evidence-based cannabis policy in Europe — prioritising public health, education, and harm reduction over prohibition.





















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