This translation of the code of conduct is intended to help you understand it; the German version applies.
Cannabis Social Club Dortmund e. V. stands for a responsible and respectful approach to cannabis. This code of conduct describes how we treat one another and what we abide by in the club. It applies to all members, the board and everyone who works for the club. Anyone who becomes a member accepts it with their application for membership.
Our foundations are transparency, reliability, knowledge and prevention.
Cannabis and the law
1. No passing on to others
Cannabis from the club is intended for personal consumption only. We do not pass it on to anyone, neither for money nor as a gift; the law itself already prohibits this. At home, we store it so that others cannot get at it, especially children and young people (§ 10 KCanG).
2. Protecting children and young people
Protecting minors takes precedence over any other interest. We never pass on cannabis to anyone under 18 and do not consume it in their presence, not even at home (§ 5 KCanG). How the club puts this into practice is set out in our youth protection plan.
3. Observing no-consumption zones
We do not consume on the club’s premises or within sight of them, that is, within 100 metres of the entrance (§ 5 KCanG). The same applies around schools, children’s playgrounds, children’s and youth facilities and public sports facilities, and in pedestrian zones between 7 am and 8 pm. Our map of no-consumption zones shows where this applies in Dortmund.
4. No consumption on the club premises
Nothing is consumed on our premises: no cannabis, no alcohol, no other drugs. For cannabis, this is also required by law. The premises are a place for cultivation, distribution, advice and exchanging ideas.
5. No advertising
The law prohibits advertising for cannabis and for cultivation associations (§ 6 KCanG). That is why we do not advertise the club or its cannabis, not even on social media, and do not publish any photos of cannabis from the club. Only the board and the people it appoints for this purpose speak publicly on behalf of the club.
Getting along
6. Respect
We treat everyone in the club with respect, regardless of their role, their contribution or how long they have been with us. We respect privacy and personal boundaries and stay objective even in disputes. Everyone should feel welcome with us.
7. Non-violence
Violence has no place with us, whether physical, verbal or psychological. We do not tolerate insults, threats or assaults. We settle disagreements objectively.
8. No sexual harassment
We do not tolerate sexual harassment in any form, whether unwelcome advances, suggestive remarks or unwanted touching. The board takes every report seriously and treats it confidentially. Those affected receive support.
9. No discrimination
Racism, sexism, antisemitism, antigypsyism, queerphobia, right-wing extremism and any other form of disparagement, for example on the grounds of origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability, are contrary to our values. We do not tolerate them. We see diversity as an asset. Anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination reports it to the board.
10. Speaking openly
We let one another finish speaking, voice criticism constructively and discuss even contentious topics calmly. We do not spread rumours or false information about the club or individual members. Criticism of the club is welcome, ideally raised directly with the board.
11. Resolving conflicts
We settle personal disputes among ourselves wherever possible and keep them out of club life. If a conflict disrupts the way we get along in the club, the board mediates.
12. Looking out for one another
If we notice that our own use or someone else’s is getting out of hand, we talk about it openly and without blame. Our prevention officers are there for this, anonymously if you wish. There is no shame in seeking help.
Security and trust
13. Confidentiality
We keep to ourselves where the distribution point is and what is confidential in the club. This protects the members, the cultivation and the stocks. The details are set out in the confidentiality agreement that all members sign on admission.
14. Access
The cultivation site and the distribution point are reserved for members. Guests are only let in when accompanied by a member and with the board’s written consent, and they show ID and sign the guest list. No one under 18 is allowed in. No one lets others in on their own authority.
15. No weapons
Firearms, cutting and stabbing weapons and irritant gas have no place on the club premises or at club events. Anyone who notices a breach reports it to the board immediately.
16. Respecting property
We respect the property of others and that of the club. Theft, including of other members’ cannabis, is a serious breach of trust.
17. No recordings
We do not take photos, videos or audio recordings on the club premises, because everyone has the right to their own image. At events, photos or films are only taken after prior notice, and anyone who does not want to be recorded can object.
18. Data protection
The club handles its members’ data carefully and confidentially and only processes what is necessary for membership and its legal obligations. Anyone in the club who has access to other people’s data uses it only for the task in question and does not pass it on. The privacy policyDE sets out what rights members have.
19. No criminal offences
We abide by the law. Anyone who uses the club to commit criminal offences harms all members and puts our licence at risk.
Club and community
20. Taking part
A cultivation association depends on its members growing together (§ 17 para. 2 KCanG). In our club, members take care of cultivation and distribution, some of them in a minijob. Beyond that, everyone can help out as a volunteer, for example with trimming after the harvest. So that the club can plan, we also fill in the survey in the members’ portal before each quarter.
21. Tidiness and cleanliness
Our premises belong to everyone. We leave them clean, take away whatever we brought with us, dispose of rubbish properly and report damage immediately.
22. Part of the city
We see ourselves as part of the city’s community. We seek dialogue with the neighbourhood, with authorities and other stakeholders, provide factual information and behave considerately: no noise, no rubbish, no consumption outside the door. How each member behaves shapes the reputation of the whole club.
When rules are broken
The board looks into breaches of this code of conduct. Anyone accused is first given the opportunity to respond. Depending on the seriousness, this is followed by a clarifying conversation, a reprimand, a ban from the club premises or exclusion in accordance with the statutes. Anyone who passes on cannabis to minors or others, uses violence, harasses or discriminates against someone or brings a weapon must expect to be excluded. We report criminal offences to the police.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses a breach reports it to the board, confidentially if they wish, by email to info@csc-dortmund.de.
A document that grows with us
This code of conduct is not a rigid set of rules. We develop it further together, and the board welcomes suggestions.