The German Cannabis Association (DHV) recently hosted the Cannabis Normal! Conference (CaNoKo) in partnership with LEAP Germany e.V. On the last day of the three-day conference, DHV released a list of demands calling for further improvements to Germany’s cannabis policies.

“At the end of its three-day Cannabis Normal! conference, the German Hemp Association (DHV) today adopted the ten most important demands regarding cannabis policy and the amendment of the Consumer Cannabis Act (KCanG).” the organization stated in a press release (translated from German to English).

German lawmakers approved the historic CanG law in April 2024. Since that time, the nation’s medical cannabis industry has increased in size and scope, hundreds of cultivation associations have been approved for licensing, and countless adults have cultivated cannabis legally in their private residences.

With that being said, cannabis opponents in Germany have remained very active since the CanG’s approval, particularly within Germany’s Health Ministry, with efforts to reverse recent policy and industry modernizations, in addition to ongoing inaction that keeps regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials from launching.

“Time-limited and scientifically monitored municipal pilot projects for the distribution of cannabis are compatible with EU law and, in our opinion, permissible under Section 2(4) of the German Cannabis Act (KCanG). Serious applications have been received from various cities. Approving these is the next logical step towards ensuring legal access for the now decriminalized consumers and reducing the black market.” DHV stated about the first of ten demands on its published list.

Currently, adults in Germany can cultivate up to three plants in their private residences, and possess up to 25 grams of cannabis when away from their homes and up to 50 grams of cannabis within their homes. DHV’s second demand is to improve the possession limit for adults.

“The current 50-gram limit on home cannabis possession is impractical, especially for consumers who grow their own. The possession limit should be abolished entirely, as is already the case in parts of North America. After all, there are no possession limits for alcohol and tobacco. At the very least, the limit should be set at 600 grams, so that the annual harvest corresponds to the maximum amount that members of growers’ associations can receive annually (12 x 50g). This is also a quantity that is not uncommon in North America.” DHV stated.

The remaining eight demands that DHV published include:

1. Legalize giving cannabis to adults
2. Clarification of building regulations for the locations of growers’ associations
3. Abolition of distance rules for consumption and to growers’ association sites
4. Clarification: What is a cutting?
5. Telemedicine and mail-order pharmacies will continue to be enabled
6. Abolish the “not insignificant quantity” or at least define it legally and increase it significantly.
7. Introduction of rapid saliva tests, research into new testing methods for impairment in road traffic
8. Initiative to amend EU law: Enabling cannabis legalization

Details for each item listed above can be read via the previously cited press release link. The German Cannabis Association (DHV) represents the interests of cannabis consumers and legalization advocates. They strive for a legal, consumer-friendly market for cannabis as a recreational drug – from production to sales in adult-only stores. DHV seeks to end all forms of discrimination and fight for sensible regulations, including those concerning driver’s licenses, possession, consumption, home cultivation, growers’ associations, and medicine.