Starting in early 2025, Frankfurt and Hanover will be launching over-the-counter cannabis sales at designated dispensaries. The pilot will run through 2030, with four dispensaries in Frankfurt and three in Hanover. This trial isn’t just about sales—it’s a research initiative, led by Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences and Hanover Medical School, in partnership with Berlin’s Sanity Group, a medical cannabis company.
The aim? To study cannabis use behavior and help reduce unregulated black-market sales. Now, only residents of Frankfurt and Hanover can take part. Participants must be 18 or older and in good health. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or facing mental health issues cannot join. Each participant will receive an ID card they’ll need to present when making purchases, which helps ensure responsible use. If any participant shares their dispensary-bought cannabis, they’ll be immediately removed from the trial. And to support research efforts, everyone in the program will complete health and usage surveys, giving researchers vital insights into usage patterns.But this trial is just part of Germany’s evolving cannabis legislation. As of April 2024, adults can grow up to three plants at home, and Cannabis Social Clubs, or CSCs, were introduced in July. These CSCs allow members to access cannabis legally. This cautious regional rollout could shape the future of cannabis sales in Germany.