One year after Germany introduced its Cannabisgesetz (Cannabis Act), the future of cannabis legalization remains uncertain. The law, which came into effect on April 1, 2024, decriminalized the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis in public and 50 grams at home for adults over 18. It also allows home cultivation of up to three plants and enables the formation of nonprofit cannabis associations for collective growing. However, the rollout of cannabis clubs has faced obstacles amid political shifts.
Located in Berlin, Tribe, a smoking lounge, aims to offer a sophisticated environment for cannabis consumption, distancing itself from traditional stoner stereotypes. Founder Stefan Röhrl, who previously managed clubs in Barcelona and Ibiza, envisioned a space where guests could enjoy cannabis in a social setting, similar to a bar.
Despite the initial decriminalization, the second phase of the Cannabis Act, which includes a pilot program for limited commercial sales, has encountered significant delays. The collapse of the previous coalition government in November 2023 created a political vacuum that has complicated further progress. The new government, formed by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has slowed the approval process for cannabis association licenses. To date, only about 200 of the more than 600 applications have received approval.
The stringent requirements for these associations create additional hurdles. They must be at least 100 meters away from places frequented by minors, and on-site consumption is prohibited. These rules diminish the social aspect of cannabis consumption, as associations cannot create welcoming environments for users. Frederik Blockslaff, a lawyer assisting associations, notes that the financial burden of starting these clubs ranges from €100,000 to €1 million, leading some to seek external investments.
As the political climate shifts, public sentiment towards cannabis is also evolving. Estimates suggest that legal sales account for only about 6 percent of the total cannabis market in Germany. However, the number of people obtaining medical cannabis prescriptions is on the rise, with easier access now available. As of August 2024, 21 medical specialties can prescribe cannabis without prior approval from insurance providers. This has led to an anticipated increase in prescriptions to 4 million over the next four years, translating to around €2 billion in annual sales.
Tribe operates under existing medical cannabis regulations, allowing patrons to bring their own cannabis, sourced either from medical prescriptions or from club-grown products. Röhrl has also developed a telemedicine platform to facilitate prescription access directly at the lounge.
Despite the challenges, cannabis associations like Blum in Berlin are fostering communities through events, even before producing their first harvest. Co-founder Zoe Killing emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment, aiming to welcome all individuals, including those who may not typically identify as cannabis users.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, concerns have been raised about the potential for a rollback of legalization measures. Right-leaning politicians have criticized the current model, with CDU representatives expressing intentions to impose stricter regulations on online prescriptions. The government plans to reevaluate the Cannabis Act in late 2025, which has sparked discussions about possibly revising possession thresholds and tightening medical regulations.
Experts believe that pilot programs for commercial sales, similar to those in Switzerland and the Netherlands, could provide valuable data to support broader legalization efforts across Europe. Daniel S. Hübner from the Humboldt University of Berlin highlights the need for sound data to convince politicians of the benefits of regulated sales for harm reduction.
As political debates continue, many advocates stress the urgency of moving forward with cannabis reforms. Jamie Pearson, founder of New Holland Group, urges lawmakers to focus on evidence-based policies rather than succumbing to fear-based rhetoric. With the illegal market still operating, the demand for legal cannabis remains high, and the opportunity for Germany to lead in European cannabis regulation is at stake.
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