Germany Finalizes Recreational Cannabis Pilot Projects
A major component of Germany’s adult-use cannabis legalization model involves launching regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials. The European nation took a major step forward in implementing pilot trials by announcing that the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food will help oversee the nation’s adult-use cannabis research projects, part of which includes pilot trials.
“By passing the Consumer Cannabis Act, the Bundestag has given the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) was given the task of appointing the responsible body for processing research applications on consumer cannabis and industrial hemp. The regulation that has now been issued – the Consumer Cannabis Science Responsibility Regulation – stipulates that the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food will examine corresponding research applications and monitor the approved projects.” the German government stated in a news release (translated from German to English).
“Previously, this task was carried out by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). The BfArM remains the responsible authority for research into medical cannabis.” German officials also stated.
Germany enacted the first provisions of the CanG legalization law on April 1st, 2024. Adults in Germany are now allowed to cultivate cannabis in their private residences and to possess a personal amount of cannabis in their homes and while away from their residences.
Starting on July 1st, 2024, adults could apply to start a member-based cultivation association in Germany. Personal cultivation, possession, and consumption combined with cultivation associations were part of ‘pillar 1’ of Germany’s CanG law.
“Research on and with consumer cannabis is now possible again, but requires a permit. Applicants must meet the criteria set out in the Consumer Cannabis Act, demonstrate the required expertise and demonstrate an interest in research. Not only universities, but also companies can submit research applications. Research can help to effectively curb the black market, expand health prevention and make the debate more objective.” the German government stated.
While this week’s announcement gets Germany a step closer to launching pilot trials, more steps are necessary before final implementation.
“The regulation pursuant to Section 2 Paragraph 4 of the KCanG regulates the scientific use of cannabis for consumption. Anyone who wants to possess, cultivate, produce, import, export, acquire, receive, hand over, pass on, extract cannabinoids from the cannabis plant or trade in cannabis for consumption for scientific purposes requires a permit from the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food.” German officials state on a recently published FAQ page.
“This is not the “second pillar” of the key points paper. The “second pillar” should test cannabis specialty stores nationwide in a comprehensive and detailed law. The Federal Ministry of Health is responsible for drafting such a draft law.” the FAQ page also states.
