Cannabis cultivation associations: This is how approval is in North Rhine-Westphalia!

Cannabis cultivation associations: This is how approval is in North Rhine-Westphalia!

In the district of Coesfeld, there are still no own cultivation associations for cannabis. Interested parties have to search for alternatives in neighboring towns, such as in Ahaus or Münster. Hannes Solling, CEO of the club Layf e.V. from Münster, makes it clear that membership is also possible outside of Münster. The minimum age for members is 21 years. The clubs organize information events to obtain new members.

The euphoria surrounding the new cultivation associations seems to have decreased. A second cannabis social club (CSC) in Münster wants to check the number of its members in a targeted manner in order not to be overrun. Despite the initial interest, only four applications for approval were submitted by January 20, of which only two from Münster, one from Ahaus and one from Castrop-Rauxel were approved. The district government has a total of 13 applications, but most of whom are still being processed. Clubs have to submit a variety of evidence, including the estimated number of members and the cultivation as well as information on the location and size of the acreage.

approval process for cultivation associations

According to the new cannabis law, only cultivation associations receive permission to cultivate and distribute cannabis. The creation of an application requires the specification of a person entitled to represent who is unlimited business capable and reliable in dealing with cannabis. The cultivation area must be at least 200 meters from facilities for children and adolescents. The cultivation associations must also demonstrate youth protection concepts and a prevention officer.

The clubs must ensure that their acreage are protected against unauthorized access, especially minors. The application for approval must be submitted in writing or electronically and contain a number of documents, including information on members, security concepts and the expected amount of cannabis that is to be grown. The application is examined by the competent authority for completeness and legal conformity within three months.

locations and cultivation projects

The Club Layf e.V. made an application early and had a good exchange with the responsible authority. Cannabis cultivates, among other things, in a former pigsty at the gates of Münster. The "Joint Venture" cultivation association in Ahaus already received the final approval at the beginning of the year and plans to take further steps in order to better organize itself internally. The chairwoman Saskia Moseke emphasizes that you want to sort yourself before you actively get into the company.

The software Chayns, developed by Tobit Software, plays a central role in the administration of the cultivation association. The communicative processes run via the app or the club's website. Tobias Groten, the managing director of Tobit, announced the foundation of the association in 2023, but is neither a board member nor a member. Interestingly, the cultivation of marijuana plants is also planned under a gastronomic operation that also belongs to Tobit-Labs.

The cultivation associations in the Coesfeld district are still at the beginning and are characterized by clear guidelines and requirements. A comprehensive understanding of the legal framework is crucial in order to maintain approval for the community cultivation and to be successful. Therefore, expert advice is recommended during the application process.

For more detailed information about the requirements and the application process, we refer to the reports of AZ Online , Anwalt.de and Anwalt.de . These sources offer valuable support for the preparation for the challenges associated with the establishment of an cultivation association.