Frankfurt and Offenbach to set up pilot projects for cannabis sales

Last Wednesday, German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and Minister of Food and Agriculture Cem Özdemir presented the plan to legalize cannabis in Germany at a press conference. Instead of full legalization with the sale of cannabis in specialty stores, the reform is now based on two pillars.

Under the first proposal, recreational cannabis use will be decriminalized, and personal cultivation will be permitted within limits yet to be defined, but which are expected to range from 3 to 5 plants per household. Instead of commercial cultivation and distribution, private associations, Cannabis Clubs, will grow cannabis themselves and will be able to sell up to 25 grams per day to their members at cost. Possession of up to 25 grams for personal use will no longer be a criminal offense for people over the age of 18.

In the second phase, pilot projects will test the regulated sale of cannabis for adults. The results of these scientific experiments will provide the basis for future cannabis regulations.

Although the reform is still far from being finalized, several municipalities are already expressing interest in becoming a model region for cannabis distribution.

Frankfurt is running to become a model region

The two cities in Hesse, Frankfurt am Main and Offenbach, have already expressed their intention to apply to host pilot projects for the distribution of recreational cannabis. Frankfurt’s deputy health commissioner, Stefan Majer, commented on the matter:

«We welcome the fact that the federal government has now presented concrete plans for cannabis. It is clearly not possible to go any further at this time, but we must nevertheless implement what is possible now.».

Offenbach would automatically be involved in the cannabis project

But Frankfurt won’t be the only one to present itself as a model region once the groundwork is laid. Due to a city council decision adopted by both municipalities in 2021, Offenbach would be required to follow suit. The two cities would then form a model region together and carry out their scientific project. Offenbach’s Green Party mayor, Sabine Groß, emphasized, however, that there are still many unresolved issues that need to be clarified.

The second phase of the cannabis law reform is unlikely to be implemented before 2024

In the coming weeks and months, other municipalities will likely weigh in on the federal government’s legalization plans and, if applicable, announce their candidacy as a model region. Even so, the first phase of the cannabis reform is unlikely to be fully implemented before the fall.

It will therefore likely be 2024 before the first German cities begin implementing pilot projects for cannabis distribution. such as those that already exist in Switzerland.