Berlin, 02/23/2024 | In its session last Friday, the Bundestag passed the Cannabis Act with a majority of 407 votes (63.89%), i.e. an approval of almost 2/3 of the 637 votes cast.

The President of the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW), Dr. Stefan Meyer, comments on this historic decision:
“The German cannabis industry congratulates the members of the Bundestag for this landmark decision. Today represents a milestone, not only for the many people who have been fighting for a different cannabis policy for decades, but above all for the millions of consumers.
This day is also a boost for the possibilities in the field of medicinal cannabis, from which patients should also benefit in the future. Much has been achieved, but we have not yet reached our goal. Further improvements are needed, and this day is only an important interim step for both medical cannabis and the industrial hemp sector. Above all, a great deal of commitment and dedication is now needed to develop the all-important “Pillar 2″ as quickly as possible. As the cannabis industry, we are ready for this. Today gives the German cannabis industry the courage to further develop Germany as a business location.”

The cannabis business sector coordinators explain the effects of the Cannabis Act on the various industry segments:

BvCW Vice President Dirk Heitepriem (Department of Recreational Cannabis Regulation):
“The criminalization of consumers will end, home cultivation and growers’ associations will be permitted. The federal government should now immediately start work on Pillar 2, the model projects for regulated dispensing. This is absolutely essential in order to achieve a real reduction in the black market in the medium term.”

Dr. Armin Prasch (Department of Medical Cannabis):
“With the removal from the BtMG, a noticeable simplification in the cultivation of medicinal cannabis in Germany and in its prescription should be expected. As a result, the existing hurdles of a BTM prescription will no longer apply. The planned authorization procedure for the cultivation of medicinal cannabis in Germany could create real competition in medical cultivation in Germany. The compulsion to import could thus be reduced. Overall, however, there are other aspects to improving patient care with medicinal cannabis, which can now be addressed in a targeted manner.”

BvCW Vice President Marijn Roersch van der Hoogte (Department of Industrial Hemp):
“The law finally clarifies that industrial hemp farmers are not narcotics producers. We advocate further reforms, in particular the abolition of the so-called intoxication clause, in order to achieve legal certainty for farmers, processors and traders. In future, Germany should play a pioneering role in industrial hemp in order to exploit the great potential for achieving climate targets, e.g. in the area of construction and insulation materials.”

Lisa Haag (Department of Technology, Trade & Services):
“Home cultivation and grow clubs as self-sufficiency options are not commercial in themselves, but they require infrastructure, equipment and services that the cannabis industry is happy to provide. This will support the now long-standing growth of our industry and create jobs, not just for the cannabis economy itself. It is about proactively creating clear rules for the legal market that can then be put into practice.”

You can find an overview of detailed positions and materials in our ELEMENTE publication series.