Two Berlin Districts Want To Launch Cannabis Pilot Trials In 2025
Germany’s approach to cannabis legalization implementation is multi-phased. The first phase of German legalization, often referred to as ‘pillar 1,’ took effect earlier this year. As of April 1st, 2024, adults in Germany can cultivate and possess a personal amount of cannabis. Additionally, cultivation associations became legal starting on July 1st, 2024.
‘Pillar 2’ of German legalization involves launching regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials. Two districts in Berlin, Germany’s largest city, announced plans this week to launch their pilot trials next year.
“The Berlin districts of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Neukölln want to start selling cannabis through several specialist stores next year.” the city announced today on its website. “This is made possible by a pilot project that will be scientifically monitored. Customers who want to buy cannabis must take part in the scientific study and register, the districts announced on Wednesday. They must also be resident in one of the two districts.”
“The sale is organized by a company that buys the cannabis from legal producers in Germany or abroad and sells it on to registered consumers in specialist stores.The two districts, Humboldt University and the Danity Group company signed a letter of intent to this effect on Wednesday.” the city also stated (translated from German to English).
“The application for approval of the project is to be submitted to the relevant federal authority as soon as possible. The sale could begin next summer, it was said.” city officials concluded.
As we previously reported, Germany took a major step forward this week 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.
