Final Preparations Underway for Germany Cannabis Pilots
After officially launching its cannabis social clubs program earlier this year, Germany is almost ready to proceed further with the next part of its legalization program. That means finally starting with recreational cannabis pilot projects where authorities will monitor controlled sales of cannabis in a limited number of places. The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food will be the main responsible body to oversee Germany’s recreational research projects, the government revealed in a new update on the plan. A few more steps remain before final implementation of the pilots.
German authorities took a major step forward this week in implementing cannabis pilots by confirming that the Federal Ministry for Agriculture and Food (BMEL) will take part in monitoring the national recreational cannabis research projects, which also include the cannabis pilots.
The Bundestag has granted authority to the Federal Ministry for Agriculture and Food to organize the process for reviewing research applications on commercial cannabis and industrial hemp, according to government sources.
As per the Consumer Cannabis Science Responsibility Regulation, the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food will examine corresponding research applications and oversee the select number of approved projects.
Previously responsible for the task in question was the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). The BfArM will however remain responsible for medical cannabis research, German officials said.
Germany activated the so-called “first pillar” of its cannabis legalization plan on April 1, 2024. The first provisions from legalization included allowing German citizens to homegrow cannabis for personal use and possess a limited amount of flower at home and outside. As part of the same pillar, Germany also activated cannabis social clubs, allowing adults to start a membership in cultivation associations where they can supply a monthly stash of weed for recreational personal use.
As foreseen with the “second pillar” of the German legalization model, next are the pilot projects, which would actually be controlled cannabis sales in a select number of districts and cities.
Where Will Start the First Cannabis Pilot Projects in Germany?
If all goes according to plan, the first two cities to launch cannabis pilots are Frankfurt and Hanover, both of which are among the more populated cities in Germany. The pilot trials are supposed to launch there in early 2025.
These programs will grant access to legal cannabis for thousands of residents in the two cities. In the course of the next five years, the programs will also deliver separate scientific insights into consumption behavior, public health, consumer trends and more.
Berlin is also expected to follow suit with Frankfurt and Hanover, and may initially introduce cannabis pilot programs in two city districts.
“The Berlin districts of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Neukölln want to start selling cannabis through several specialist stores next year,” said a recent announcement on the official website of the city of Berlin.
The statement adds: “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 two Berlin districts are expected to join the pilots during the summer of 2025.
More on this topic from Soft Secrets:
S
Stephen Andrews
