Germany Part one
One of the hot topics on the recent New Holland Group conference tour I just closed out was cannabis legalization and profitability in emerging national markets.
From moderating a panel discussion about European prospects at the Benzinga's Cannabis Capital Conference, to speaking at the Hemp for the Future Conference in Reykjavik about what happens when countries legalize cannabis, it’s clear all eyes are on international cannabis right now.
Germany, in particular, has been a focal point. The country’s cannabis market went on a rollercoaster ride alongside its government at the tail end of 2024. Here’s a quick breakdown of what happened:
April 1, 2024: Germany's "traffic light" 🚦coalition passed the Cannabisgesetz (Cannabis Act, or CanG), which:
🇩🇪 Legalized adult-use cannabis possession and cultivation.
🇩🇪 Decriminalized possession of up to 25 grams in public and 50 grams at home for adults 18+.
🇩🇪 Allowed home cultivation of up to three cannabis plants per person.
July 1, 2024: Non-profit cannabis social clubs became operational, permitting up to 500 members to grow cannabis collectively. Members can obtain up to 50 grams per month but are restricted to one club membership. Consumption onsite remains prohibited.
Meanwhile, the Konsumcannabisgesetz (Consumption Cannabis Act, or KCanG):
🇩🇪 Removed cannabis from Germany’s narcotics list, streamlining commercial production and distribution.
🇩🇪 Lifted restrictions on commercial grow strains and production caps.
🇩🇪 Allowed licensed, EUGMP-certified companies to enter the market.
Despite these advancements, the introduction of a pilot program designed to address many of the remaining roadblocks to a full legal market was delayed when the German government collapsed.
🚦November 2024: Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, which basically imploded the "traffic light" coalition. Progress stalled, social club approvals slowed, and the future of cannabis pilot programs now hinges on Germany’s upcoming elections.
In my next post, I’ll dive into what’s ahead—stay tuned!
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