Initial Demands and Positions of the German Cannabis Industry

2020-01-24: On the occasion of the presentation of the first position paper by the BvCW e.V., the President of the Cannabis Industry, Dr. Stefan Meyer, states:

„There are many issues across the entire German cannabis market that need to be discussed with decision-makers. At the center of our demands is the establishment of an innovative and sustainable market for cannabis products based on product quality, consumer protection, and compliance with newly established quality standards. Following our first board meeting, we are confident that many regulatory issues can be clarified with administrations, the legislature, and market participants. To remain internationally competitive, we need appropriate regulatory conditions for the German cannabis market.“

From the Position Paper:

As the cannabis industry, we are committed to establishing an innovative and sustainable market for cannabis products based on product quality, consumer protection, and adherence to enforceable quality standards. We are currently active in the areas of medical cannabis, industrial hemp, CBD, and technology, trade & services. As a young and growing association, we will continue to work on practical solutions for the cannabis industry in Germany and will further differentiate our demands in the future.

Detailed demands for the specialized areas of the German Cannabis Business Association (in formation) can be found in our first position paper at www.cannabiswirtschaft.de.

Medical Cannabis – Germany plays a leading role in Europe in the field of medical cannabis. A strong future market position in this high-wage country depends on technological and innovation leadership in the development and production of cannabis products, combined with the highest quality and reliability.
Current issues in the field of medical cannabis include import and cultivation licenses. Regulations regarding further processing (e.g., extracts), storage (security), and packaging (finished products) are also relevant.

Industrial Hemp – The regulations under the German Narcotics Act (BtMG) hinder the simple use of industrial hemp as a raw material. Not all certified EU varieties are suitable for diverse uses. Permissible THC levels vary across Europe, and bureaucratic procedures and redundant reporting requirements continue to obstruct the straightforward and unbureaucratic use of cannabis as a bio-based material, insulation, hemp plastic, oil, or textile fiber.
The potential of hemp for sustainable agriculture and climate protection must be more prominently communicated.

In particular, the industrial hemp sector must boost demand for its various products through public awareness and support the development of processing and production chains for both traditional and new products. The bio-based raw material hemp—with its numerous (and often unexplored) applications—deserves the attention and growth it has long been denied.

Hemp Food Products – Hemp as a food product remains subject to extensive regulations that originate from decades of cannabis prohibition. Growing consumer interest in healthy nutrition and sustainable agriculture has led to renewed appreciation of hemp in food products..

Cannabidiol (CBD) & Other Cannabinoids (Non-Medical Use) – The market for CBD and other cannabinoid products is experiencing strong growth. At the same time, producers and retailers face increasing regulations, including enforcement actions from regulatory agencies and prosecutors. The BvCW advocates for legal certainty in the commercialization and trade of CBD and cannabinoid products by engaging with policymakers, industry, and consumers.
An additional black market—similar to that for THC-containing products—must be avoided.

Consumer protection, regulatory frameworks, and quality assurance standards must be discussed and defined individually for each application of CBD and other cannabinoids (e.g., in food, cosmetics, etc.) in dialogue with all stakeholders.

The classification of CBD extracts as „novel food“ must be critically reassessed and changed. Active dialogue with relevant authorities and decision-makers on this issue is part of the BvCW’s responsibilities. Scientific findings must lead to practical frameworks for the use of CBD or other cannabinoids in cosmetics and food products. This also applies to the use of natural CBD in foods and other goods.

Technology, Trade & Services – Numerous startups and medium-sized enterprises are developing, processing, and distributing cannabis and hemp-related products. Companies that use hemp to create packaging, compostable materials, paper, textiles, or other raw materials are driving innovation around the cannabis plant and contributing to the preservation of our natural resources through sustainable production methods.

Additionally, service providers with specialized know-how—such as logistics, media, consulting, and knowledge transfer—have also focused on cannabis. This includes manufacturers of cultivation, lighting, irrigation, or fertilization technology, as well as consumables and analytical equipment. German producers and distributors of medical-use vaporizers and inhalation devices are even considered global market leaders.