Cannabis Social Clubs – Cannabis clubs in Germany

From July 1, 2024, the so-called cannabis clubs, where members can legally grow and obtain marijuana. These associations operate on the principle of "community" and "non-commercial" cultivation, and their funding comes from membership fees. Each member of the club can receive a maximum of 25 grams of cannabis per day and 50 grams per month, and for people aged 18-21 the limits are lower (30 grams per month and a maximum of 10% THC).

How to start a cannabis club in Germany?

Starting a cannabis club requires registration and meeting numerous requirements, including providing information on the number of members, location, crop area and expected yields. The registration process can take about three months and is supervised by various authorities in individual states, e.g. the Chamber of Agriculture in Lower Saxony or the Government Presidium in Freiburg.

Cannabis Social Clubs Germany – what is allowed and what is not?

In cannabis clubs marijuana may not be advertised or consumed on site. Permitted forms of cannabis include dried flowers and leaves and separated resin (hashish). mixtures with tobacco, nicotine or food are prohibited. Packaging must be neutral and contain information about weight, variety, THC content and warnings about the risk of consumption.

Structure and Membership in Cannabis Clubs

Number of Members: Each cannabis club can have a maximum of 500 members. This is an arrangement intended to maintain control over the amount of marijuana grown and distributed.

Age of Members: Only adults over 18 years of age can become club members.

Member Registration: Members must register and the club must maintain a register of members and document the amount of marijuana for each person.

List of Cannabis Clubs in Germany

Even though the laws have been passed, the cannabis clubs themselves are just starting to form. There are currently no specific, widely recognized club names as the process of registering and organizing these clubs is ongoing. The German government has introduced strict regulations on the amount of marijuana that can be grown and consumed within such clubs, in order to ensure control over their activities​

It is already known that there is a great interest in establishing such clubs, and Federal Commissioner for Drugs Burkhard Blienert predicts the creation of approximately 1000 associations in the first year and further growth in subsequent years.

Cultivation and distribution of cannabis in cannabis clubs

Seeds and Plants: Cannabis clubs can legally purchase marijuana seeds and seedlings. This purchase must be made through legal sources approved by the authorities. Seeds can come from both local and international suppliers who meet German legal standards.

Maximum Crop Amount: Each club is allowed to grow up to a certain number of plants, which is proportional to the number of members. Details on the number of plants per member may be regulated locally, but the average is a dozen plants per member per year.

Processing and Distribution: The marijuana grown is intended solely for the personal use of club members. Clubs must ensure that marijuana is not sold on the black market. Distribution is strictly controlled and takes place within the club premises.

Purpose and benefits of cannabis clubs 

The new regulations regarding the partial legalization of marijuana in Germany, including the operation of cannabis clubs, aim to create a safe and controlled environment for marijuana consumption, which in turn is expected to bring both social and economic benefits.

Quality control: Cannabis clubs aim to ensure a high-quality product through controlled cultivation and eliminate the dangers associated with the illegal marijuana market.

Education and Community: Clubs also play an educational role, informing members about the responsible use of marijuana, its effects and potential risks. Building a community around the legal and safe use of marijuana is one of the key goals.

If you are interested in more detailed information about the location and activities of these clubs, it is worth following the local news and our website, as these clubs will develop and formalize their activities in the coming months, and we intend to update this post ;)

Regulation and Supervision of Cannabis Clubs in Germany

Government Oversight: Clubs are subject to strict government supervision, which includes regular inspections of crops and documentation. All clubs must be registered and operate in accordance with legal guidelines.

Security: Clubs must meet certain security standards, including adequate protection of crops against theft and providing a safe environment for members.