Cannabis Social Clubs: An Overview and Insight Provide Perspective
To get straight to the point: The following information on the subject of cannabis social clubs is not set in stone. Legalization is planned and concrete key points have already been decided in Berlin. However, it is quite possible that the rules for the specific framework conditions of such a club will still change. Below we will inform you about the current model of cannabis social clubs and give you a lot of information on this topic. We will also take a closer look at the Cannabis Social Club Berlin, draw a conclusion and answer some questions that are frequently asked about cannabis social clubs.
The Cannabis Social Club Model
According to the federal government's key points, Cannabis Social Clubs (CSCs) serve to supply their members with high-quality cannabis products. The products should be grown by the club members themselves, so that the black market is pushed back. There should be no profit when the products are sold, which results in relatively low prices for members. Members aged 21 and over are allowed to buy a maximum of 25 grams per day and 50 grams per month. Teenagers or young adults aged 18 to 21 should be allowed to buy up to 30 cannabis per month, with the THC content limited to a maximum of 10 percent.
But it is not just members of such a cultivation association who benefit from this model, but also the state. Since the black market is expected to shrink massively as a result of this measure, fewer resources will have to be invested in combating it. In addition, sales will no longer take place on the street, but only in clubs. These must be within a certain radius of schools so that children and young people do not come into contact with them as much as possible.
Furthermore, no consumption should take place in the club's premises. However, this point has been widely criticized. German Hemp Association: "The ban on consumption in cannabis cultivation clubs is unrealistic." A table vaporizer could be made available in the premises. After all, many people cannot afford a high-quality table vaporizer and have to inhale the smoke from unhealthy joints at home. In addition, in the club you are not in public or near children or young people.
CSCs in Europe
In Europe, cannabis social clubs officially only exist in Belgium, Spain and Malta. While there are only a handful of CSCs in Belgium and Malta is gaining experience, these clubs have existed in Spain since the 1990s. The larger Spanish cities where such clubs are located include Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Bilbao. Locals in Palma de Mallorca, the Canary Islands and many other Spanish cities can become members of such a club. And perhaps in a few months Germany will also be one of the countries where personal consumption is decriminalized.
There are also CSC clubs in countries such as Austria, Slovenia and France. However, these do not yet have legal status, so both their operation and membership are essentially prohibited.
CSC in Germany: The Status Quo 2023
Key points for the legalization of the reform
Below is the current status of legalization:
- The possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis will become legal for people aged 18 and over.
- Growing up to three female cannabis plants at home will be exempt from punishment.
- After legalization, cannabis products will be sold in cannabis social clubs.
- The consumption of cannabis in the club's premises is prohibited.
- The sale of cannabis in specialty stores will initially only take place in model experiments with scientific supervision.
- It is still unclear whether the sale of accessories, such as Purize activated carbon filters , will be permitted.
Community cultivation
The cannabis products are cultivated collectively by the club's members, who may also be responsible for further processing the cannabis into products such as hashish or extracts.
Possible selling prices
It is not yet possible to give exact prices at which cannabis products will be sold in the future as part of a cultivation association. But one thing is certain: legal sales eliminate a certain surcharge for the risk that comes with illegal sales of cannabis. The aim is also to curb the black market, which is only possible if the price of the weed or grass is more attractive than that of a dealer.
Hemp seeds, cuttings and cultivation for German cannabis clubs
In order to grow cannabis plants, cannabis clubs in Germany are allowed to purchase seeds. However, the quantity may not exceed the club's needs. Members may be supplied not only with flowers and processed cannabis products, but also with seeds and cuttings. Selling the herbs to non-members is prohibited.
Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis, for example for use in a herbal vaporizer , will continue to be available in pharmacies. However, the quality of cannabis from cannabis social clubs will certainly approach medical quality, so that many cannabis patients will be able to meet their needs through club membership.
Sharing Equipment: Benefits of a Cannabis Social Club
Since the association is a community of interests, existing equipment can be shared. By using good equipment for cultivation, plants can grow to a considerable size, which increases the yield.
Quality Assurance in German CSCs
Health should always come first and so the law stipulates that when growing cannabis by CSCs, certain limits regarding plant protection and fertilizers must be observed. It must also be documented where the seeds come from and what active ingredient content the plants have. The latter applies not only to THC, but also to CBD.
Cannabis & Advice: The CSC explains
Of course, a club like the CSC Club Berlin primarily serves to supply its members with cannabis. But the club must also be able to inform its members about the risks. An addiction, youth protection and prevention officer must be appointed and information for consumers regarding the THC content of cannabis must be made clear.
CSC.Berlin: The Cannabis Clubs of the German Capital
What awaits you at the CSC in Berlin
The CSC club, based in Berlin, is a community of cannabis users in the capital of Germany. The aim of the club is to grow hemp together. At the moment, the membership fee is only one euro per month. But when the green revolution finally starts, the amount could increase by another 10 euros to cover the costs of running the club.
Who can become a member of the CSC Berlin?
Anyone who wants to become a member of the Berlin club just has to be of legal age and support the club's goals. But the same applies here: you are not allowed to simply unpack your weed grinder , paint some weed and then start vaping happily in the premises of the Cannabis Social Club Berlin. Consumption in the club's premises is also prohibited here.
Founding a CSC: Practical tips for those interested
Founding a cannabis social club in Germany is comparable to founding an association, although the requirements are somewhat stricter due to the subject matter. Below we give some tips for those who want to set up such an association:
- At least seven founding members are required to establish a Cannabis Social Club as an eV.
- The club must meet the requirements for non-profit status in order to be able to take advantage of the tax benefits of an association.
- The goals of the association, but also the conditions for members, should be recorded in writing in a statute.
- During the first founding meeting, a board of directors should be appointed and the financing of the club should be discussed.
- In order to obtain the status of a registered association, an entry must now be made in the association register.
Outlook: Conclusion on the status of CSC in Germany and how the topic could develop further
Cannabis has arrived in our society. We don't know exactly what will happen next. But at least something is finally happening and in a few months there will be the first clubs in Germany where you can buy herbs legally.
A little later, pilot projects will be carried out with specialist shops opening in certain cities. If this type of cannabis distribution shows positive results, it could well be that these will also be opened across Germany.
It is also conceivable that in a few years it will be possible to order your weed conveniently online and enjoy a huge selection. One thing is certain: it will remain exciting, but we are moving in the right direction!