Berlin, 2021-10-08: The German cannabis industry is hopeful that the recent federal election will pave the way for urgently needed reforms. To support reform-minded negotiators in coalition and exploratory talks, the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) has drafted a 6-point plan outlining its key political demands. This document is now being made available to members of the German Bundestag.

The plan includes the following points:

1. Integrate cannabis cultivation into the EU Green Deal
2. Adapt legal framework for medical cannabis
3. Remove industrial hemp from the Narcotics Act
4. Create a clear legal framework for non-intoxicating cannabinoids (CBD, etc.)
5. Promote research into the diverse uses of cannabis
6. Prepare for possible regulation of recreational cannabis

The full document can be found here: 6-Point Plan of the BvCW

Dr. Stefan Meyer, BvCW President, emphasized:
“There are few cultivated plants with such a wide variety of uses as hemp. After decades of stagnation and total prohibition of hemp cultivation in Germany, it’s time for a new direction. Hemp must become an integral part of the energy and raw materials transition. With innovation, hemp can contribute in numerous sectors from soil remediation and improvement, to healthy foods (such as hemp seed oil and protein), cosmetics, paints, paper, textiles, agriculture, and construction. It is the plant with the highest CO₂-binding capacity in Europe.”

Jürgen Neumeyer, Managing Director of the BvCW, added:
“We want clear rules based on scientific standards. Access barriers to medical cannabis must be lowered, and research must be supported. If cannabis is regulated for recreational use, we will contribute constructively to discussions on the necessary regulatory framework. All parties likely to be part of a governing coalition have expressed commitments to reform and innovation. As a cannabis industry, we welcome this now it’s time for action.”

Marijn Roersch van der Hoogte, BvCW Vice President and Coordinator for Industrial Hemp and Food, concluded:
“It is time to fully integrate hemp as an agricultural crop and industrial resource into Germany’s energy and resource strategy. From agriculture to construction, from food to medicine, hemp — thanks to its regional nature and carbon storage potential — is ready to drive innovation across sectors. Policymakers must reduce bureaucratic hurdles, recognize the sustainable potential of industrial hemp for climate and environmental protection, and support research in this area.”