Germany moves to step 2 on legalizing recreational cannabis. After having decriminalized possession “in limited quantity” on April 1, this Monday marks a turning point with the opening of the first « clubs cannabis »
Ces clubs will allow amateurs to cultivate plants and share the harvest among themselves within Europe’s largest country three months ago.
21 years old and 50 grams per month
The clubs will allow amateurs to grow plants and share the harvest among themselves. In these associations open only to residents of Germany, members over 21 will be able to buy a maximum of 50 grams of grass per month (30 gr for adults under 21).
The anticipation is tangible: “Mariana Cannabis”, an organization that brings together 180 clubs across the country, already claims to have 20,000 members. However, there are still no seeds or plants on their land near Leverkusen (south).
The fault lies with the administrative process which involves each club, limited to 500 members, requesting an operating license which can take up to three months to obtain.
Control the offer
In Munich, the Cantura cannabis club is already full. Its members have been contributing 25 euros per month since March.
Between the cost of premises, the security system and very energy-intensive cultivation equipment, the necessary investment amounts to hundreds of thousands of euros, according to Fabian Baumann, its president.
The German government hopes to combat trafficking and crime by creating a legal circuit. However, these clubs will not be open to tourists.
