Berlin, 05/31/2024 | The ‘Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Cannabis Anbauvereinigungen’ (Federal Working Group Cannabis Cultivation Associations), or BCAv for short, was established by committed members of the German Cannabis Business Association – both cultivation club board members and companies and traders from the economic environment of the cultivation associations – to professionally represent the interests of the cultivation clubs, promote exchange between the cultivation associations and work towards the establishment and certification of new standards. 

‘With the BCAv, we want to give the growers’ associations a strong voice and ensure their long-term sustainability,’ comments Heinrich Wieker, coordinator of the BCAv. ’And as legal suppliers, we are clearly positioning ourselves against the black market. To this end, we are committed to so-called parcel services, cooperation in cultivation areas and an obligation under the Money Laundering Act (GWG),’ adds Dr Peter Reinhardt, Deputy Coordinator of the BCAv. 

The BCAv has submitted a statement on the current draft amendment to the KCanG and MedCanG. On Monday, the BCAv took part in the hearing of the Health Committee of the German Bundestag on the draft amendment act and answered several questions from the parties. 

The BCAv is currently an organisational unit of the German Cannabis Business Association e.V., with its own, newly created form of membership, which serves the sole purpose of cooperation in the BCAv. The membership fee for cultivation associations is – subject to the final resolution – 420 euros per year from the 6th month after obtaining a licence. Growers’ associations that become members by 16 June 2024 should receive the first year of membership free of charge. The BCAv will receive at least one seat on the BvCW board. 

BvCW Managing Director Jürgen Neumeyer explains: ‘The non-commercial growers’ associations, like other non-commercial institutions, also cooperate with producers and service providers from the industry. We bring both sides together.’ 

Anyone who would like to meet the players in person is cordially invited to speak to them at the BvCW stand in the Palais at the Berlin hemp trade fair Mary Jane from 14-16 June 2024.