Cannabis Cultivation Clubs in Lower Saxony Await Approval
Introduction
In the German state of Lower Saxony, 45 cannabis cultivation clubs eagerly anticipate their licenses to operate. As of now, 83 applications have been submitted, of which 30 have been granted and 8 have been rejected, according to information provided by the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture. This represents a significant increase compared to year-end 2024, when 70 applications had been received, with 22 approvals and 7 denials.
Guidelines for Cannabis Cultivation Clubs
To establish a cannabis cultivation club, several requirements must be met. Members must be of legal age (18 years or older) and have resided in Germany for at least six months. Clubs are permitted to cultivate cannabis collectively and distribute it among members for personal consumption only. The maximum number of members is capped at 500, and the cultivation site must be situated at least 200 meters away from schools, kindergartens, and playgrounds.
Distribution of Genehmigungen
The city of Braunschweig currently boasts the highest number of approved cultivation clubs, with three licenses issued. The Landkreis Göttingen has registered the most applications to date, totaling eight. Following closely behind are the Landkreis Harburg and the cities of Hannover and Braunschweig, each with five applications.
Reasons for Denied Applications
In cases where a license is not granted, the primary reason is often the failure to comply with health and youth protection regulations. This may include insufficient distance from schools or playgrounds. However, cultivation clubs are allowed to rectify these deficiencies – such as by relocating to a different site – and submit a new application.
Legal Framework
Since July 2024, cannabis cultivation clubs have been legally permitted in Germany for the communal cultivation and distribution of cannabis. According to federal regulations, members who have reached the age of 21 may receive up to 25 grams of cannabis per day and a maximum of 50 grams per month for personal use. Younger adults are permitted 30 grams per month, with a maximum THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content of 10%.
First Legal Cannabis Harvest in Germany
A cultivation club in Ganderkesee, near Oldenburg, claims to be the first in Germany to legally harvest cannabis. This milestone marked a significant step in the legalization of cannabis in the country.
Conclusion
The growing number of cannabis cultivation clubs in Lower Saxony reflects the increasing acceptance and demand for legal cannabis cultivation in Germany. While the licensing process remains selective, clubs that meet the necessary requirements have the opportunity to participate in this emerging industry. The establishment of these clubs provides a regulated and controlled environment for cannabis cultivation and distribution, contributing to the responsible and responsible use of cannabis in Germany.
