Germany’s local authorities have received 896 applications to set up cannabis cultivation associations, but only 455 have been approved, while changes to medical cannabis reimbursement could affect tens of thousands of patients, as first reported by High Times.

The application figures were compiled by the Federal Association of German Cannabis Growers (BCAv) and shared by International CBC, according to High Times. They suggest that just over half of applicants have so far cleared the authorisation process.

How the clubs work

Cultivation associations, often called cannabis social clubs, began applying for licences on 1 July 2024, three months after the first phase of Germany’s Cannabis Act took effect. They are non-profit organisations that grow cannabis collectively for adult members. Each may have up to 500 members, who must be at least 18 and have lived in Germany for the previous six months. Membership must last at least three months, a rule intended to deter cannabis tourism.

The clubs may not sell to the public, post cannabis to members or operate commercially, and consumption is not permitted on their premises. Members may receive up to 25 grams a day and 50 grams a month. For members aged 18 to 21 the monthly limit is 30 grams and THC content is capped at 10%. Clubs must verify age and membership, keep records, ensure traceability and report stock levels to the authorities.

Applicants face checks that can cover security, youth protection, prevention, storage and access control. Premises must be at least 200 metres from schools, youth centres and playgrounds, and cannot be part of a private home. The BCAv said the rules are applied differently across Germany’s federal states, and that some clubs have struggled to obtain building and use permits, even in industrial zones.

Researchers identify obstacles

A study by researchers at Aarhus University, published in the International Journal of Drug Policy, drew on survey responses from 32 associations and seven interviews with representatives. It identified eight main challenges: the need for a highly committed individual to drive a project, financial risk, finding suitable premises, obtaining a licence, unclear legal terminology, the 200-metre rule, the ban on consumption at clubs, and social stigma.

The researchers said these barriers could limit the clubs’ ability to meet three of the reform’s stated aims: reducing risks, protecting young people and displacing part of the illicit market.

Medical cannabis changes

High Times also reported that Germany’s statutory health insurance system has stopped reimbursing treatment with medical cannabis flower, with no transition period, even for patients already approved. Doctors can still prescribe flower and patients can still buy it at pharmacies, but they must now pay themselves, switch therapy or seek an exception.

Rules for cannabis extracts, dronabinol and nabilone have also been tightened. In most cases patients must first complete a six-month trial of an approved finished cannabis-based medicinal product. Doctors and industry groups say these products are licensed for narrow indications and do not suit many current patients.

The Federal Association of Cannabinoid Pharmaceutical Companies (BPC) estimates about 65,000 patients with established treatment could be affected. It and other groups warn that Germany has no approved inhalable finished product to replace flower for patients who need fast relief, including some in palliative care.

The Association for Cannabis as Medicine (ACM) said it will file a constitutional complaint with the Federal Constitutional Court, arguing that the law wrongly treats all cannabis-derived medicines as interchangeable. The German Hemp Association (DHV) said it will support the move. The changes do not directly affect the clubs, which operate outside the medical system.

For UK readers, Germany’s approach is a point of comparison. In Britain cannabis remains a Class B drug, and specialist doctors have been able to prescribe cannabis-based medicines since 1 November 2018, though NHS prescriptions remain rare and most patients use private clinics.