Germany’s Cannabisgesetz (CanG), which came into force in 2024, created a new legal framework for cannabis. While adults may possess and grow limited quantities for personal use, any commercial growing requires a cannabis cultivation license in Germany. Cannaspire’s Cannabis consultants help operators plan, launch, and stay compliant.
Licensed/authorized cultivation ensures:
A formal cultivation license is required for:
Germany does not issue open-market commercial licenses for recreational sales.
Germany’s cannabis cultivation rules are built on three key laws: the Cannabisgesetz (CanG), the Konsumcannabisgesetz (KCanG), and the Medizinal-Cannabisgesetz (MedCanG). Together, they define who can grow cannabis, under what conditions, and which authorities issue cultivation permits.
The CanG is the foundation of Germany’s cannabis reform. It legalized:
It also removed non-medical cannabis from the Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BtMG), ending criminal penalties for adult personal cultivation.
The KCanG governs non-commercial cannabis cultivation associations, also known as Cannabis Social Clubs (CSCs). Each federal state (Land) administers its own application process and inspections.
The MedCanG regulates medical and scientific cannabis cultivation. These licenses are issued federally by the Cannabis Agency at BfArM. Requirements include:
Only approved companies may legally cultivate medical cannabis in Germany.
Germany currently recognizes three legal cultivation authorization types:
Businesses seeking to cultivate medical cannabis in Germany must obtain authorization from the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). The previous requirement for an EU-wide tender process has been removed. However, all pharmaceutical standards, including quality controls and prescription regulations, continue to apply without change.
In Germany, cannabis cultivation associations (CSCs) must be formed as registered non-profit associations or registered cooperatives. These organizations are legally permitted to collectively grow cannabis for their members’ personal, non-commercial use and may distribute cannabis, seeds, and cuttings only within the membership. They are also required to provide cannabis-specific health education, addiction-prevention information, and responsible-use guidance.
Research involving recreational (non-medical) cannabis is permitted in Germany, but it can only be conducted with an approved authorization. Applicants must demonstrate their professional qualifications and trustworthiness as part of the approval process. Oversight of these authorizations, including issuing permits and supervising scientific use of non-medical cannabis, falls under the responsibility of the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food.
Based on the official BfArM guidance posted in November 2025, these are the requirements for a cultivation license in Germany. This license is limited to medical and scientific use and demands full adherence to pharmaceutical regulations and detailed documentation.
Applicants must submit:
These documents confirm legal registration and identify the proposed cultivation site.
The applicant must designate a responsible person for handling medical cannabis, providing:
This ensures that cannabis handling is overseen by a qualified individual.
For each managing director and each responsible person, the applicant must provide proof that a certificate of conduct for submission to an authority (§ 30(5) BZRG) has been applied for, addressed to BfArM
This requirement verifies reliability and suitability.
If cultivation involves any manufacturing steps (e.g., drying of cannabis flowers), the following must be submitted:
This confirms compliance with pharmaceutical manufacturing standards.
Applicants must state:
Each variety must be applied for separately.
The application must include:
This allows BfArM to evaluate the technical processes and compliance.
For activities such as importing cannabis cuttings and trading cannabis flowers, a separate § 4 MedCanG license is required.
The signed application letter must be sent by post to BfArM. Fees are charged according to:
Cannabis cultivation associations (“Anbauvereinigungen”) allow adults to collectively grow cannabis for their own personal use under strict rules designed to protect public health, prevent youth access, and limit commercial influence. Cultivation associations are registered, non-commercial clubs or registered cooperatives. Their permitted purpose includes:
A CSC permit is limited to 7 years. It can be extended after at least 5 years upon application.
Founding and registering the association is not enough to begin growing. A cultivation association may grow cannabis jointly only after it receives official permission from the responsible state authority.
To receive a permit, cultivation associations must meet the following core requirements:
Cultivation associations must maintain a minimum distance of 200 meters from:
A permit is granted if:
Applications must be submitted in German, either in writing or electronically, to the competent state authority. The following information and evidence are required:
For each board member and representative:
Germany’s cannabis framework creates a clear divide between personal cultivation, non-commercial CSC cultivation, and tightly regulated medical and scientific production. Whether an applicant is a registered association seeking permission to grow for its members or a company applying to cultivate for medical or research purposes, the licensing pathways all share one principle: strict compliance and detailed oversight designed to protect public health and ensure controlled, transparent production.
For an overview of business licensing pathways, requirements, and opportunities in Germany’s evolving cannabis market, see our Germany Cannabis License Guide. Our cannabis compliance services cover SOPs, GMP readiness, and ongoing monitoring.
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