Anyone who wants to found a so-called cannabis club in the course of cannabis legalization in Germany has to be prepared for strict rules. According to an early version of the cannabis bill by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD), which has not yet been agreed within the government, the clubs are intended to be purely “growing associations”. Within the clubs and within a radius of 250 meters, no cannabis should be consumed. Cultivation, delivery, club membership and organization of the premises should also be strictly regulated.
The draft is available to the DPA news agency. Since it is still being voted on within the government, a number of things can still change. As usual, there are likely to be changes in later deliberations in the Bundestag. Initially, the plans look like this:
The draft law, which has not yet been voted on, also contains regulations for consumption in public: Even if cannabis is to be legalized in principle, smoking weed within a radius of 250 meters from schools, daycare centers, playgrounds, youth facilities or sports facilities is prohibited. Consumption should also not be permitted in pedestrian zones between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Under 18, the drug remains taboo. The draft provides that youth welfare offices can order participation in “early intervention programs” in the event of violations. Young people are also not allowed to enter cannabis clubs. If you are over 18 and under 21 and a member, you can only get cannabis with a maximum active substance content (THC) of ten percent and a maximum of 30 grams per month.
It was already known that the number of club members would be limited to 500 and that no one would be allowed to be a member of more than one such club. The draft law also maintains that the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis and the cultivation of a maximum of three plants for personal use should be permitted.
Free sale in dedicated stores, as originally intended, is off the table for now. It is planned to test this later as a pilot project in some municipalities via another law.
Lauterbach submitted his draft for internal coordination with the other ministries at the end of April. As soon as this is completed, the associations dealing with the topic are usually informed and consulted. This is followed by a decision by the federal cabinet and the project can go to the Bundestag for deliberation. According to the plans, the Federal Council does not have to agree. The pro-cannabis representatives in the traffic light coalition hope that legalization will be implemented this year.
