Two German cities, Frankfurt and Hanover, have revealed intentions to launch regulated adult-use cannabis sales through model projects. These initiatives aim to collect data and inform future drug policy in Germany.
Trial Details
Both Frankfurt and Hanover have published letters of intent to initiate controlled cannabis sales to thousands of participants over five years. These projects closely resemble those in Switzerland. However, Germany has yet to finalize federal regulations necessary for their launch.
Frankfurt's Approach
Frankfurt, in collaboration with the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, plans a five-year study offering regulated cannabis to residents via four specialized shops. Participants must register, allowing the health department and university to collect data on public health impacts. The primary goal is to redirect the city's 50,000 cannabis users from the black market, where products are often contaminated.
Arthur Schroers, head of Frankfurt’s drug department, emphasized the study's unique opportunity to gather essential data, aiming to minimize harm and reduce consumption. Participants must be over 18, in good health, and complete regular medical surveys and discussion groups. They will be limited to 50g of cannabis per month, priced at €10 per gram to compete with illicit markets. Profits will be taxed and allocated to addiction prevention projects.
Hanover's Strategy
Hanover, supported by the Clinic for Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Hanover Medical School, will launch a similar five-year study. This study will recruit 4,000 participants to assess the impact of regulated cannabis sales on consumer behavior, health, youth protection, and the illicit market. A comparative study will be conducted with members of the Cannabis Social Club Hannover e.V. (CSC).
Participants, aged 18-21, must be Hanover residents and complete regular surveys. They will receive a pseudonymised ID card to track cannabis purchases via a QR code at three participating stores. The study will gather data on consumption frequency, THC content preferences, and shifts to less harmful products. Staff will be trained to advise consumers and intervene in risky situations.
Regulatory Hurdles
Despite these announcements, the regulation enabling the projects' launch by early 2025 is pending. Pillar 2, proposed in response to European Commission concerns about a full commercial market, aims to study the impacts scientifically through pilot projects. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food (BLE) is designated to oversee these projects, but lacks the necessary personnel to process applications.
German cannabis lawyer Kai-Friedrich Niermann suggests the regulation should take effect once these positions are filled. While initially considered for regulation under the current CanG law’s research clause, this may not be the case, requiring further legal measures to ensure compliance and protect consumers and providers.
