Stalled In Bureaucratic Limbo, This German City Struggles With Illegal Cannabis As Demand Surges
Despite cannabis legalization in Frankfurt, the expected surge in legal cultivation has yet to materialize. The city, which could support up to 129 cultivation associations, has had only two applications submitted since the law took effect two months ago. Across Hesse, just 14 applications have been filed, including in Kassel, Gießen and Vogelsberg, with none as yet approved.
Bureaucratic Hurdles Hamper Legalization Efforts
The slow response is largely due to complex bureaucratic requirements. Applicants must provide extensive documentation, such as certificates of good conduct and an Elster certificate for electronic applications.
Additionally, addiction prevention training for club prevention officers adds another layer of complexity. In Hesse, it remains to be seen who is authorized to offer this training. A tight three-month deadline and application fees ranging from 500 to 1,000 euros have deterred many potential applicants.
Get Benzinga’s exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily …