A historic moment in Germany’s cannabis legalization journey has arrived. The Green Leaf Society, a Berlin-based initiative, has received permission to cultivate cannabis, becoming the first club in the city to be granted such approval. The Marzahn-Hellersdorf district, where the Green Leaf Society is located, reviewed the application and deemed it worthy of approval, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing cannabis legalization process.
Jana Halbreiter, chair of the Green Leaf Society, expressed her excitement about the district’s pragmatic and impartial decision, highlighting their prompt approval. The decision comes amidst the ongoing development of regulations surrounding cannabis cultivation associations, with the Landesamt für Gesundheit und Soziales (Lageso) designated as the authority responsible for approving such associations. However, as the regulations are still in development, districts are temporarily assuming responsibility for issuing permits.
Gordon Lemm, the district councilor for youth, family, and health, commended the Green Leaf Society’s application, praising its responsible and comprehensive approach. He emphasized that while the cannabis law necessitates stringent requirements for such permits, the Green Leaf Society’s application demonstrated a high level of responsibility and detailed structural considerations, greatly facilitating the decision-making process.
The Green Leaf Society’s next steps involve establishing a cultivation facility, solidifying agreements with manufacturers and suppliers, and training volunteers. The organization aims to cultivate the initial batch and begin legal distribution of cannabis by December.
This development follows the legalization of cannabis clubs in Germany on July 1, 2024, with the first such clubs opening their doors in Lower Saxony on July 8. However, while cannabis clubs have gained legal status, applications for cannabis cultivation associations have faced numerous setbacks in various states across Germany.
Meanwhile, Lower Saxony, a state in northern Germany, is preparing a catalog of fines for violations of the cannabis laws. This move reflects the need for responsible consumption and addresses concerns about potential misuse, particularly among minors. Andreas Philippi, Lower Saxony’s Health Minister, confirmed that the fine catalog, currently under review, is expected to include hefty penalties. The introduction of a fine catalog aligns with similar measures adopted in other German states, where predefined fines apply for offenses such as smoking cannabis near schools, playgrounds, and kindergartens.
Philippi expressed his concern about teenagers between 15 and 17 years old who are not legally allowed to consume cannabis but may be exposed to it through interactions with older friends. He raised concerns about the difficulty in regulating the consumption of cannabis among young people and emphasized the need for increased prevention efforts, acknowledging the need for additional funding.
The approval of the Green Leaf Society’s application marks a significant milestone in Germany’s cannabis legalization journey, highlighting the evolving landscape of cannabis consumption and cultivation. As regulations continue to develop, the focus remains on ensuring responsible and regulated access to cannabis while addressing potential risks associated with underage consumption.
