Details emerge on the «ultra-regulation» of Cannabis Clubs in Germany

A document obtained by the German Press Agency gives a glimpse of the German government plans to strongly regulate future Cannabis Clubs, non-profit associations that will produce cannabis for their members.

According to the details of the project, which is far from final, non-profit associations could be up and running by the end of this year.

The report from the German press agency indicates that Germany could limit cannabis distribution to association members only, and to a maximum of 50 grams per month per person. Clubs would be limited to 500 members.

Consumers aged 18 to 21 would be limited to 30g per month and 10% of THC.

By way of comparison, Canada limits sales to 30 grams of flowers per person per purchase, with no lower limit for young people. However, different provinces have different lower age limits, most of which are set at age 19.

The bill also maintains that the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis and the cultivation of up to three plants for personal use should be authorized.

Other details of the regulation, which the news agency believes could be amended following the Bundestag's deliberations, would require «neutral» packaging and the absence of 'incentives to consume» for young people. Consumption on association websites would be prohibited. However, it would be permitted in public, but not between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. in pedestrian zones, and would have to take place more than 250 meters from schools, playgrounds, sports facilities, crèches and other places deemed vulnerable by the government.

Labels should show package weight, harvest date, use-by date and grower, as well as the name and address of the grower. THC and CBD content.

The German press agency's report also specifies that Cannabis Club premises, as well as any cannabis storage or cultivation facilities, must be fenced off and fitted with burglar-proof doors and windows.

Clubs would also be required to keep a register of the following items:

• The origin of their seeds
• The number of plants grown and stored
• Inventory levels
• The amount of cannabis distributed to members
• Quantity of product packaged
• Quantity destroyed

The German legalization project also includes setting up pilot projects to test the commercial legalization of cannabis in certain municipalities. Details have yet to be worked out.