German Coalition Calls For Scientifically Supported Cannabis Distribution
In an open letter to Germany’s Bundestag, a coalition of more than 30 organizations comprised of scientists, industry members, politicians, and associations called for the launch of scientifically supported model cannabis distribution projections, also commonly referred to as pilot trials.
“The goal is to create a reliable database for future regulatory steps and to objectify the debate. The initiators argue that regulated distribution could strengthen both health protection and economic opportunities.” the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW), who was a signer of the open letter, stated in a recent newsletter (translated from German to English).
“According to representative surveys , a majority of the population wants specialized cannabis stores. Scientific pilot projects for dispensing cannabis could represent a first step toward this goal. Therefore, we support and sign this open letter to the German Bundestag.” stated the German Hemp Association (DHV) on its website (translated from German to English).
Below is the coalition’s full language (translated) of their joint open letter to members of Germany’s Bundestag:
Despite cannabis being illegal for many years, initial surveys have provided insight into the prevalence of consumption. According to recent studies, 10% of adults (one in ten) have consumed cannabis in the last twelve months. Cannabis remains the most commonly consumed (and largely illegal) substance in the EU. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive and reliable data on cannabis consumption and its social and economic impacts.
This knowledge gap makes it difficult to make a well-founded assessment of the overall situation and its consequences. It leads to emotional debates rather than objective decision-making. The Consumption Cannabis Act (KCanG) has essentially legalized the consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes, but its implementation presents considerable practical challenges. While consumption is legal, acquisition outside of cultivation associations remains prohibited. This discrepancy between theory and practice illustrates the complexity of the issue and underscores the need and opportunity for a well-founded, data-based approach to future political decisions in the area of cannabis regulation.
Evidence-based discussion instead of ideology
The importance of academic freedom as a foundation for progress and innovation is clearly emphasized in the exploratory paper of the CDU, CSU, and SPD. It emphasizes that academic freedom, enshrined in the Basic Law, must not only be protected but is also a key prerequisite for independent research and the acquisition of new knowledge—free from political ideology.
In light of the upcoming decisions regarding drug policy in the new legislative period, we ask you to continue to facilitate regionally and time-limited, scientifically supported cannabis research projects. These projects offer a historic opportunity to create a robust database for fact-based discussions and responsible decision-making – for the benefit of the health and safety of our citizens, to promote our economy, and to preserve our innovative strength.
Such open-ended studies allow for the much-discussed issues surrounding recreational cannabis to be examined on a small scale and for data-driven models to be developed that demonstrate how safety, government control, and economic growth are compatible. The goal should be to replace the ideological debate with facts in order to objectify this charged topic. Scientifically supported research projects are not intended to create incentives for consumption, but rather to research existing consumption and make it safer.
Controlled research and evaluation
What do such consumer cannabis research projects look like? Scientists have already developed diverse, regionally tailored research approaches. When designing the studies, international research approaches and findings from ongoing studies abroad, such as in Switzerland, were considered and integrated into the study designs.
By testing different dispensing models in a controlled manner (such as dispensing through pharmacies in one region and specialized stores in another), we fully exploit the potential for innovation and knowledge. Diversity instead of one-size-fits-all solutions enables the necessary comparison to determine, for example, which regulation provides the highest level of youth protection or the best health outcomes.
Independent scientific monitoring ensures that we can learn from every research approach. It is important that the research projects are regionally and time-limited, closely evaluated and monitored, and digital monitoring of the supply chain is ensured. Naturally, only quality-assured cannabis products are distributed in these controlled research projects, which also has positive effects on health protection: controlled THC levels, warnings, accompanying education for study participants, and quality-tested goods, in stark contrast to the frequently contaminated products on the illegal market, as an analysis of street cannabis from 30 German cities shows.
Economic opportunities
The controlled distribution of cannabis within the framework of research projects offers not only scientific insights, but also tangible economic benefits. Already, around 4.5 million adults in Germany consume cannabis for recreational purposes at least once a year and spend approximately €4 billion annually on it – money that currently flows largely untaxed into the coffers of the illegal market players, who must be combated.
A regulated distribution within the framework of research projects would channel at least a portion of these funds into legal channels. Legal distribution points could generate (tax) revenue, a portion of which could flow directly into prevention programs and youth protection. Furthermore, new jobs subject to social security contributions in science and industry could contribute to regional value creation.
Research institutions and municipalities are ready to go
Several German cities, including Frankfurt am Main, Hanover, and several Berlin districts, as well as more rural communities, renowned scientists, addiction support experts, and innovative companies are already lined up and willing to take responsibility for testing new solutions. We are united by the goal of reducing existing risks (e.g., from the consumption of contaminated products from the illegal market), offering low-threshold support to those seeking help, educating users, and researching the displacement of the illegal market and the scientific potential of a legal market.
This willingness to innovate must be harnessed. Germany has the opportunity to generate new knowledge through exemplary approaches. This knowledge will also be recognized internationally—we can assume a pioneering role in Europe by boldly but carefully pursuing new paths.
Appeal
Dear decision-makers, freedom of research is enshrined in Article 5 of our Basic Law. The planned projects represent nothing other than applied research into drug policy and its associated impacts on internal security, organized crime, and the protection of minors and health.
We appeal to you, also in light of the exploratory paper mentioned above, to recognize the importance of these research projects. This is not about ideological symbolism, but rather a pragmatic, knowledge-based approach that combines both economic rationality with the health and safety of citizens.
Please advocate for the rapid and unbiased implementation of scientifically supported commercial distribution of recreational cannabis in selected regions. Allow scientists to collect the data you need for informed policy decisions.
We – experts from politics and law, science and medicine, associations and industry – are ready to support you with our know-how.
Sincerely,
the undersigned
March 2025
List of more than 30 signatories from politics and law, science and medicine, associations and industry:
- Arcaden Pharmacy OHG
- Cannabis Industry Association e. V.
- Federal Working Group of Cannabis Cultivation Associations (BCAv)
- Cannabis Cultivation Association Hannover eV
- Cannabis Cooperative Hannover eGiG
- Cannabis Social Club Hannover eV
- Cansativa GmbH
- Canymed GmbH
- Cimander, Dr. med. Dipl.-Chem. Konrad F., Addiction Medicine Specialist, Competence Center for Cannabis Medicine
- Demecan GmbH
- German Academy for Holistic Pain Therapy
- German Hemp Association
- Dr. Cannabis Academy
- Enua Pharma GmbH
- Four 20 Pharma GmbH
- Gottschling, Prof. Dr. med. Sven, specialist in pediatrics and pediatric hematology and oncology, Saarland University Hospital, Dr. Cannabis Academy, German Academy for Holistic Pain Therapy
- Haucap, Professor Dr. Justus, Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics (DICE), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
- LEAP – Law Enforcement against Prohibition Germany eV
- Müller-Vahl, Prof. Dr. Kirsten R., Specialist in Psychiatry and Neurology, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School
- New Judges’ Association – Association of Judges
and Public Prosecutors - Lower Saxony Cannabis Cultivation Associations NICA eV
- Niermann, Kai-Friedrich, Attorney at Law
- Peschel, Dr. Thomas, Specialist in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Patrida Diamorphine Treatment Berlin
- Sanity Group GmbH
- Schmidt-Semisch, Prof. Dr. Henning, Department 11: Human and Health Sciences Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen
- Steinmetz, Dr. Fabian, Regulatory Toxicologist
- Stöver, Prof. Dr. Heino, Social science addiction researcher
- TMG Media Group
- Association of Cannabis Supplying Pharmacies
- Vigia AG/Cannavigia
- Voitl, Elke, Head of the Department for Social Affairs and Health of the City of Frankfurt am Main
- Wurth, Georg, Expert
