One year of cannabis law: Three clubs in MV are fighting for more space!

One year of cannabis law: Three clubs in MV are fighting for more space!

A new chapter in cannabis policy has opened in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. After a year of implementing the Cannabis Act, the Consumer Cannabis Act (KCanG) was introduced on April 1, 2024, followed by the regulation for cultivation associations, which came into force on July 1, 2024. To date, three grower associations have been approved in the region. One of them is in Rostock and two in Greifswald, like n-tv reported.

A total of 13 applications were submitted to the State Office for Agriculture, Food Safety and Fisheries (LALLF). Of these, three cultivation permits were granted, one was rejected and three more are currently being processed. A major advantage for the new growers' associations is the legal clarity that the law offers, although Marc Thalus, chairman of Sochill Green, points out that implementation was challenging, particularly because of unclearly worded regulations.

Positive balance of “Sochill Green”

Fortunately, “Sochill Green” has grown from 70 members at the beginning to 242 today, with an additional 200 interested people on the waiting list. The first harvest included 700 plants. Despite lower earnings than originally expected, Thalus sees the development as positive. He is convinced that the need for cannabis growing associations in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is greater than the current three associations can cover.

The distance regulation of 200 meters to schools and kindergartens presented the growing associations with challenges. “Sochill Green” had to relocate its areas and is ensuring that new cultivation areas are secured with surveillance cameras. Thalus also believes that the cannabis law will continue to exist with the new federal government.

The legal framework

The LALLF is not only responsible for approving the growing associations, but also for monitoring them and determining annual cultivation quantities. The fees for a cultivation permit range between 500 and 3,500 euros, depending on the administrative effort. Government M-V informed that the costs for official monitoring also range from 100 to 1,100 euros.

With the KCanG, people aged 18 and over are allowed to possess up to 50 grams of cannabis at home and carry a maximum of 25 grams outside. Home cultivation is permitted, and up to three plants can be grown per household - but these must be protected from theft and children. Consumption in public is permitted as long as it does not take place in schools, sports facilities or within sight of children (100 meters around entrance areas).

Outlook for the future

Cannabis legalization doesn't just impact grower associations. The regulatory authorities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are also preparing for the new situation, while numerous existing proceedings for cannabis offenses have to be reviewed by the judiciary. Northern Courier emphasizes that strict rules apply to growing associations, such as banning advertising and securing cultivated areas. Violations can result in fines of up to 30,000 euros.

The first steps towards a new cannabis policy have been taken, but it is unclear what the future holds. The discussion about the appropriate handling of cannabis in Germany will continue and could help the topic gain momentum in other federal states.