Cannabis clubs in Mönchengladbach: Stagnate permits!

Cannabis clubs in Mönchengladbach: Stagnate permits!

The introduction of cannabis social clubs (CSC) in Germany runs and encounters diverse bureaucratic hurdles, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia. In Mönchengladbach in particular, some clubs face enormous challenges because they have not yet received any permits for cultivation. According to Radio 901 , among other things, the Mariana Cannabis Social Club and other registered clubs in the city have difficulties to start. Torsten Becker from Cannabis Social Club Mönchengladbach expressed that the district regulations are responsible for the approval of the clubs and that five clubs are currently registered in Mönchengladbach.

The club is optimistic about the new cannabis law despite the bureaucratic hurdles. They expect the new federal government to not withdraw the current regulations. The Consumer Cannabis Act, which came into force on April 1, 2024, allows the cultivation and possession of cannabis in limited quantities. According to Deutschlandfunk , adults may have up to 25 grams of cannabis and store up to 50 grams at home. In addition, up to three plants are allowed for personal use.

bureaucratic hurdles for cannabis social clubs

The establishment of cannabis social clubs is difficult by numerous bureaucratic obstacles. As weed.de , the cultivation associations have to meet strict requirements and go through complex approval processes. The bureaucratic effort is enormous because each application includes detailed security concepts, documentation of the cultivation and harvest quantities and evidence of compliance with youth protection regulations.

As a result, the process often remains confusing and lengthy. Although an official processing time of a maximum of three months is planned, it often takes many months or even years before the permits are granted. As a result, numerous clubs have to operate in a legal gray area because they cannot grow nor supply members. In some cases, they even switch to the black market, which counteracts the desired fight against illegal structures.

global perspective on the cannabis market

In Germany, the number of consumers is estimated at around 4.5 million, with a significant increase in recent years, especially among young adults. The consumption of cannabis is increasingly regarded as part of leisure activities and also as a medical means. This led to an increasing demand for cannabis social clubs that could easily operate the need.

The strict legal requirements and the bureaucratic hurdles could endanger the original goals of legislation to combat the black market and create controlled consumption opportunities. Experts demand that the Federal Government introduce clear guidelines for the license allocation and possibly digital application process in order not to disappoint the enthusiasm and expectations of those interested in cannabis.