Berlin, 2026-04-01: The second interim report by EKOCAN, published on April 1, demonstrates the positive impact of the current cannabis reform: no increase in cannabis consumption is observable, youth consumption is declining, and the black market has been partially pushed back. The law has thus proven that responsible regulation and effective youth protection can go hand in hand. In addition, the historic decriminalization has significantly relieved millions of citizens as well as the judiciary.

The German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) sees these successes as a solid foundation to initiate the next phase of modernization. From the perspective of the cannabis industry, a stronger reduction of the illicit market requires legal access to cannabis. The legislator had provided for a second pillar of the law with scientific pilot projects for regulated distribution, which has not yet been implemented. The BvCW therefore calls on the federal government to work with relevant stakeholders from addiction prevention, law enforcement, industry, cultivation associations, physicians, and patients to develop a joint position on how the law can be improved to expand legal access to controlled products and create a clear distinction between medical and recreational cannabis.

Dirk Heitepriem, President of the BvCW, emphasized: “One of the core objectives of the Cannabis Act is to push back the black market and organized crime. However, a key element is still missing: the scientific pilot projects for regulated cannabis distribution. Let us work together with all relevant stakeholders to achieve a major breakthrough.”

BvCW Managing Director Michael Greif added: “Pilot projects for legal cannabis access would not only reduce the illegal market but also provide scientifically sound data for future regulation. The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) must finally be given stronger legal authority to enable proper specialist shops with strict quality control and reliable youth protection. Consumer protection through tested products and the freedom of science and research must take precedence over the profits of organized crime.”

A clear separation between medical and recreational cannabis is also considered crucial by the BvCW. However, comprehensive European regulation for telemedicine platforms is needed, regardless of the specific medicinal product.

Kathrin Konyen, Head of Medical Cannabis at the BvCW, stated: “Telemedicine is of utmost importance in light of the challenges facing the healthcare system in 2026. What is missing are clear regulations across the entire EU. Isolated national efforts and approaches focused on individual drug categories are not the right path.”

The BvCW therefore calls on the federal government to bring all stakeholders together at the national level to define appropriate framework conditions for cannabis pilot projects and to advocate for a unified EU-wide regulation for telemedicine platforms.

In addition, the federal government should follow the EKOCAN recommendations and allow cannabis cultivation associations to provide neutral information about themselves, as well as review the restrictions on distribution and consumption within clubs, including the strict regulatory framework. The Federal Association of Cannabis Cultivation Associations (BCAv) has published its own list of demands and regularly reports on approval figures. Currently, more than 400 cultivation associations have been approved in Germany.