« We were happy about legalization, but its implementation is a disaster! »*
Nico Schack, Founder of a Cannabis Social Club
While the legalization of cannabis is underway in several countries, it presents a mixed initial assessment in Germany. Due to the lack of legal production, the black market remains flourishing and crime has even increased against a backdrop of turf wars, report RTS.*
Since April 1, 2024, Germans can possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for their personal consumption. However, the black market remains their main source of supply, because the vast majority of “Cannabis Social Clubs”, the associations authorized to produce the plant, are still waiting for their permits.*
“The current situation is super frustrating,” says Nico Schack, founder of one of these clubs, in the 7:30 p.m. news. “We were happy about legalization, but its implementation is a disaster!”*
Three hundred permits are currently being processed in Germany, and only a handful of them have been issued. The cause is administrative delays, but above all a poorly thought-out law: consumption was legalized before production.*
International networks are taking advantage*
Nico Schack’s “Bunte Blüte” has still not been able to start production, with a target of 21 kg per month, while demand is higher than ever. So it is the black market that is benefiting.*
“Legally, I now have the right to walk around with 25 grams. Obviously, since they are individual bags, the cops suspect that I am selling cannabis. But judges, prosecutors and the police no longer want to deal with these files, because it creates paperwork”, says a Berlin seller.*
This situation therefore represents a godsend for organized crime. Especially since, according to the authorities, drug traffickers in the Netherlands are looking to expand their activities in Germany. In the Cologne region (west), rival gangs have been engaged in a turf war since this summer. A dozen bombs have even exploded in front of shops.*
No legal production before 2025*
“The range of dealers has expanded, the range of consumers too,” warns Alexander Poitz, member of the Federal Police Union (GdP). “This means that the black market in Germany is expanding and the margins have become much larger.”*
A windfall that traffickers will be able to take advantage of for several more months, because the first legal harvests will not be available before 2025 in Germany.*
** image
*** ndlr. : –.
