Berlin Gets its First Authorized Cannabis Club

The Green Leaf Society became the first Cannabis Club in Berlin to receive authorization to grow and distribute cannabis, setting a precedent for responsible, non-commercial cultivation under Germany’s new cannabis law. Despite this progress, other Berlin cannabis clubs face political hurdles, with local authorities refusing to issue more permits, fueling frustrations and potential legal action.

Berlin has just had its first cannabis club authorized with Green Leaf Society to become the city’s first to receive legal authorization to grow cannabis collectively.

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Berlin Gets First Legal Cannabis Cultivation Association Outside of Lower Saxony

The accreditation of the Green Leaf Society marks the first of its kind in Berlin and outside the state of Lower Saxony, where the initial permit was granted to the Cannabis Social Club Ganderkesee in July.

The Berlin association submitted its application on July 25, 2024. After a thorough review, local authorities approved it, signaling a significant step forward in the city’s journey toward the development of Cannabis Clubs.

The Green Leaf Society was commended for its responsible approach to cannabis cultivation and consumption. According to Gordon Lemm, district councilor for youth, family, and health in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf borough of Berlin, the association’s application serves as a model for other potential groups.

Lemm also praised the group’s commitment to monitoring its members for signs of problematic consumption and addressing addiction issues at an early stage. The focus on health and safety aligns with Germany’s new cannabis law, which imposes strict regulations on cultivation and consumption, prioritizing public health and abuse prevention.

Jana Halbreiter, president of the Green Leaf Society, welcomed the pragmatic and impartial review process conducted by the Berlin district, which led to the swift approval of the application. The association’s primary goal is to establish high-quality standards and ensure consumer protection.

Halbreiter explained that the association aims to create a non-commercial model where safety and quality are of the utmost importance.

The Green Leaf Society plans to distribute its first legal harvest to its members by December 2024, a historic moment for Berlin, as it will be the first time cannabis is legally grown and distributed by a Cannabis Club in the city.

Political Stalemates and Growing Frustration Among Cannabis Clubs

Despite this progress, other cannabis cultivation associations in Berlin face political challenges. Sixteen clubs recently gathered at Mauerpark to express their frustration over the city’s refusal to grant more cultivation permits.

Germany’s political landscape has been marked by reluctance to implement the federal law, introduced earlier this year, which allows for the legal cultivation of cannabis. Under the leadership of Mayor Wegner (CDU), no body has been appointed to issue the necessary permits, creating a significant obstacle for associations hoping to follow the Green Leaf Society’s example.

The Berlin Senate has shifted the responsibility for granting authorizations to individual districts, which have refused to process cultivation permit applications. This refusal was formalized in a letter to the Senate, where the districts demanded greater autonomy and made it clear they would not proceed with cannabis-related applications.

The boards of these cultivation associations view this inaction as a political failure, particularly in a city like Berlin, often regarded as Germany’s cannabis capital.

Oliver Waack-Jürgensen, board member of CSC High Ground Berlin e.V., expressed his discontent, stating: “Berlin is the cannabis capital of Germany, with unmatched expertise in this area, yet the government refuses to use this knowledge. We are not a problem, we offer solutions.” His statement highlights the frustration felt by many within the community who view regulated cannabis cultivation as a positive response to public demand.

Legal Action on the Horizon?

Faced with the current political deadlock, Berlin cannabis associations are considering legal action to assert their rights under the new federal law. Henry Plottke, from the local chapter of DHV Berlin, called on the city government to take swift action.

With no progress in sight, the boards of the associations have pledged to collaborate and hold further meetings to discuss next steps, including potential legal avenues.

While Berlin faces delays, Lower Saxony has already issued licenses, notably to the Cannabis Social Club Ganderkesee, which became the first association to receive authorization on July 8, 2024.

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(Featured image by Stephan Widua via Unsplash)

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