Starting a Cannabis Club: 5 Steps to Getting Approval for Your Own Cultivation Association in Germany
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Introduction
The legalization of cannabis cultivation associations or cannabis clubs in Germany opens up exciting new possibilities for the communal cultivation of cannabis. This article explains the steps and legal requirements necessary to establish a cannabis club and obtain the required permit. We offer a clear guide and useful tips to help your project get off to a successful start.
Research and Planning: Inform yourself about the legal requirements and create a detailed business plan.
Establishing an Association/Cooperative: Set up and register a non-commercial association or cooperative.
Developing Concepts: Create safety, hygiene, and training concepts as well as a health and youth protection concept. Appoint a prevention officer.
Forecasting and Production Planning: Plan the amounts of cannabis you will cultivate and distribute.
Submitting the Application: Submit the application to the relevant authority. Processing time up to 90 days, costs between 300 and 3000 euros.
Do's:
Secure your enclosed property.
Appoint a prevention officer.
Create a health and youth protection concept.
Inform the authority promptly about changes to the cultivation association.
Ensure the purpose of the association/cooperative is appropriate.
Don'ts:
No unreliable individuals in the board.
Avoid unsuitable locations.
No legally incapacitated individuals in the board.
Keep the statutes complete and correct.
No private residences as cultivation sites.
Special Notes:
The permit is non-transferable and limited to seven years.
Changes must be reported to the authority.
In Five Steps to a Cannabis Club and Permit
1. Research and Planning
The first step in establishing a cannabis club is thorough research and planning. Inform yourself about the specific legal requirements in your federal state. Create a detailed operating concept that describes cultivation, usage, and safety measures. It is also important that you and your team have the necessary prior knowledge and experience to consistently and successfully cultivate cannabis. An investment and cost plan as well as a general business plan that is oriented towards the expected number of members are also essential.
2. Establishing an Association or Cooperative and Registering with the Court
Once you have laid a solid foundation through your research and planning, the next step is to establish a registered association (e.V.) or a cooperative. This legal structure allows for the communal cultivation of cannabis. Set the statutes and elect a board. Don't forget to register the association with the relevant court.
Important Note: Consumption of cannabis is not allowed within the club. The purpose of the association is the communal, non-commercial self-cultivation and distribution of cannabis for personal consumption by and to members, the distribution of propagation material, and the provision of information to members on cannabis-specific addiction prevention and counselling.
3. Developing Safety, Hygiene, and Training Concepts
The next step is to develop comprehensive safety, hygiene, and training concepts. These concepts are essential to ensure the safe and hygienic operation of your cannabis club. This also includes appointing a prevention officer and creating a health and youth protection concept according to § 23 paragraph 6. The safety measures must ensure that cannabis and propagation material are adequately protected against access by unauthorised persons, especially children and adolescents, within the enclosed property.
4. Forecasting Cultivation and Production Planning
Now it is time to carefully plan the future production of your cannabis club. Create a detailed forecast of the amounts of cannabis you will cultivate and distribute to members. The law requires that you list these quantities precisely. This includes:
The estimated future number of members of the cultivation association
Location or expected location of the enclosed property of the cultivation association by place, street, and house number
Size or expected size of the cultivation areas and greenhouses of the cultivation association in hectares or square meters
The amounts of cannabis in grams, separated by marijuana and hashish, that are expected to be cultivated and distributed annually
5. Submitting the Application and Obtaining the Permit
The final step in this process is the formal application submission. The application for a permit must be submitted in writing or electronically to the relevant authority in your federal state. The application must include detailed information and evidence, such as the names and contact details of the association's members and the prevention officer, as well as a police clearance certificate and a business central register extract for the board members. Note that the authorities have up to 90 days to process your application. The costs for the permit range between 300 and 3000 euros, depending on the federal state and the effort involved.
Do's and Don'ts
After knowing the steps to establish a cannabis club, it's important to keep the do's and don'ts in mind:
Do's
Secure your enclosed property: Ensure that cannabis and propagation material are adequately protected against access by unauthorised persons, especially children and adolescents.
Appoint a prevention officer: Appoint a prevention officer and provide proof of their advisory and prevention knowledge.
Health and youth protection concept: Create a comprehensive health and youth protection concept according to § 23 paragraph 6.
Inform the authority promptly: Report changes to the cultivation association to the relevant authority promptly, at the latest within one month of the legal effect.
Ensure appropriate purpose of the association/cooperative: The purpose must be exclusively the communal self-cultivation and distribution of cannabis for personal consumption by and to members, as well as the distribution of propagation material and information on addiction prevention and counselling.
Don'ts
No unsuitable individuals: Ensure that all authorised representatives are reliable and have no criminal records.
No legally incapacitated individuals: Avoid appointing board members who are legally incapacitated or restricted in their legal capacity.
No missing prevention officers: A prevention officer is mandatory. If this officer or their proof is missing, the permit will be denied.
Incomplete statutes: The statutes must clearly regulate the communal self-cultivation and distribution of cannabis. Membership duration and residence in Germany must be specified.
Unsuitable locations: The enclosed property must not be near schools or childcare facilities and must be protected from unauthorised access.
No private residences: The enclosed property must not be located in a private residence.
Special Notes and Tips from the KCanG
Permit cannot be transferred: The permit for cannabis cultivation is non-transferable and must not be given to third parties.
Extension of the permit: The permit is limited to seven years and can be extended after five years if the requirements are still met.
Notification obligations: Changes to the cultivation association must be reported to the authority promptly.
Conclusion
The establishment and management of a cannabis club can be complex. Our Cannavigia Club Software supports you in meeting all legal requirements and staying organised. From planning to safety measures to documentation and reporting – our tool ensures that your cannabis club is always compliant and efficiently managed.
Establishing a cannabis club requires careful planning and adherence to legal regulations.
