Germany: 49 Applications For Cannabis Model Projects Submitted
Regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are operating in multiple jurisdictions in Europe, and at some point, they are expected to launch in Germany as well. Pilot trials are the primary component of the second phase of Germany’s two-tiered legalization model, which was originally adopted on April 1, 2024.
According to the German Cannabis Business Association’s (BvCW) recent newsletter, over four dozen applications for pilot trials have been submitted so far, although it is worth noting that none of them have received approval to proceed.
“The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food ( BLE ) has responded to a request for information on the FragdenStaat website regarding the processing status of applications under Section 2, Paragraph 4 of the Cannabis Act (KCanG). Accordingly, KCanG-related processes are recorded under the subject unit “Cannabis Research Projects” (No. 06.03).” BvCW stated in its newsletter (translated from German to English).
“A detailed evaluation of applications concerning model projects for the distribution of cannabis to end users for recreational use is not yet available and would involve considerable effort and fees.” BvCW also wrote in its newsletter.
Regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials were originally expected to launch in various jurisdictions in Germany by the end of 2024. However, the prospective pilot trials have experienced several delays due to political reasons.
Currently, pilot trials are operating in several local jurisdictions in both the Netherlands and Switzerland. The largest regional adult-use cannabis pilot trial in Switzerland is operating in Zurich, where a total of 4,400 people between the ages of 18 and 80 are participating.
“Over 90 percent of participants now obtain their cannabis products from legal sources, i.e. from one of the three specialist stores or one of the nine pharmacies taking part.” Blue News reported about Zurich’s pilot trial.
Another jurisdiction in Switzerland participating in regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials is Basel, where researchers are finding benefits to allowing adult-use commerce. The results of a previous study, which was the first academic reporting of its kind, were published on the University of Basel’s website in addition to being published in the academic journal Addiction.
“Public health-oriented recreational cannabis access may decrease cannabis use and cannabis-related harms, especially among those using other drugs.” the researchers of that study concluded.
“Furthermore, the study was able to dispel fears that legalization could exacerbate the psychopathological symptoms associated with cannabis consumption in addition to consumption itself: after the first six months, there was no difference between the two study groups in terms of depression, anxiety or other symptoms.” stated the University of Basel on its website.
“The interim assessment after two years of study shows a significant improvement in the mental state of the approximately 300 or so participants who are still taking part.” the University also wrote.
Earlier this year, Marijuana Moment reported that a government-commissioned report found that Switzerland’s adult-use cannabis legalization pilot program is “running smoothly,” with “no indication of any disturbances to public order.”
“About two years after the pilot program launched in seven municipalities across the country, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) study—carried out by the University of Lausanne and the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland—generally determined that the initiative has been a success.” the outlet also reported.
According to initial reporting by krautinvest from earlier this month, Germany’s Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) rejected an application for a cannabis pilot project in Central Holstein.
“The first applications were received by the Federal Agency for Food and Agriculture (BLE) in December of last year. However, the BLE only subsequently created application forms and sent them to all applicants in the spring. In mid-May, the BLE announced to krautinvest.de that it was processing 40 applications.” the outlet also reported.
