Cannabis cultivation associations, which are sometimes referred to as social cannabis clubs, have emerged as a key component of adult-use legalization models in Europe. Cannabis clubs have existed for many years in Spain, albeit operating in legal grey areas. Licensed cultivation associations are expressly permitted in Malta, and as of July 1st, 2024, they are also legal in Germany.

Cultivation associations involve adult cannabis consumers becoming members of the associations and sourcing their cannabis products legally. According to the Federal Association of Cannabis Cultivation Associations’ (BCAv) most recent data, 397 cultivation association applications have been approved so far. A total of 836 applications have been submitted nationwide.

Below is a data table breaking down where applications have been submitted and approved via BCAv:

As of BCAv’s last data update in December 2025, 368 of 806 applications had been approved. The German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) recently conducted a survey, posing the question, “Currently, there are at least 368 approved cannabis cultivation associations (CAVs). How many do you expect by the end of 2026?”

“Most responses indicated numbers between 400 and 600 growers’ associations, with a clear focus on around 500. Some participants estimated significantly higher figures of up to 1,000 or even 2,000 growers’ associations.” BvCW stated about its survey results in a previous newsletter (translated from German to English).

“Overall, the results suggest that the majority expect a significant further growth in cannabis cultivation associations by the end of 2026.” the industry association also wrote in its newsletter.