Cannabis Cultivation Associations Moving Forward In Lower Saxony

Cannabis cultivation associations appear to be moving forward in Lower Saxony, with local media outlet Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reporting that Agriculture Minister Miriam Staudte delivered the first approved permit to “Cannabis Social Club Ganderkesee” (translated from German to English) in the district of Oldenburg.

“With regard to consumer protection, it is clear to me: By allowing cultivation by associations, risks posed by illegally sold cannabis, such as excessive THC levels, can be avoided.” stated Minister Staudte according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

So far, 45 cannabis cultivation associations have registered to start applying for a permit in Lower Saxony, 16 of which have reportedly completed their applications. Cannabis cultivation associations became legal in Germany as of July 1st, although bureaucratic issues hampered an immediate rollout.

North Rhine-Westphalia is another area of Germany that is already accepting applications for cannabis cultivation associations, albeit “only a few” so far according to local reporting from ASB Zeitung.

“In North Rhine-Westphalia, a few Cannabis growing associations filed applications for permits starting July 1st, as revealed by a dpa survey of the responsible district administrations.” stated ASB Zeitung.

“According to a spokesperson, the first applications have been submitted in the Regierungsbezirk Duesseldorf, but a specific number could not yet be named by the authority. Three applications have been filed at the Bezirksregierung Köln by Tuesday, and one in Detmold. At the Bezirksregierung Arnsberg, there were initially “three incomplete applications,” according to a spokesperson. The Bezirksregierung Münster reported no applications yet.” ASB Zeitung also stated.

German cannabis cultivation associations have to adhere to various rules, including limiting membership to a maximum of 500 members and restricting sales to 50 grams per member a month (30 grams for members 18-20 years old). Clubs will also be permitted to sell cannabis clones and seeds.

In a recent nationwide survey conducted in Germany by Pronova BKK, 44% of self-reported ‘regular’ cannabis consumers indicated that they plan to join one of the country’s cannabis cultivation associations once they launch in their respective jurisdictions. Another 27% of ‘occasional’ cannabis consumers also indicated that they plan to join an association.

The Pronova BKK survey involved 1,000 people in Germany aged 18 and over and was conducted in May 2024. The survey also determined the following (translated from German to English) about Germany’s cannabis consumer base:

• Over a quarter of Germans consume cannabis at least occasionally, and one in ten consumes it weekly
• More than half of Generation Z consumes cannabis at least occasionally
• For a third of cannabis consumers, legalization does not influence consumption behavior
• Among younger respondents under 45 years of age, one in ten has increased consumption since legalization
• Eight percent of non-users are considering growing their own cannabis at home

Among self-reported ‘regular’ cannabis consumers participating in the survey, 51% selected “Yes, I can imagine having my own cannabis to grow at home” when asked about home cultivation. Another 40% of ‘occasional’ cannabis consumers also selected that option in the survey.