Cannabis Social Club Dortmund, an association not run for profit that currently has 80 members, submitted an application to the Arnsberg District Government this week for a licence to grow cannabis. Founded in 2023, the club campaigns for a liberal and responsible drug policy. With this step, it aims to give its members safe and legal access to cannabis.
Dominik De Marco, Chair of the club, underlines the importance of this step: “By applying for a cultivation licence, we are taking a decisive step towards our goal of giving our members safe and controlled access to cannabis. Passing on cannabis in a regulated way not only protects the health of consumers, it also helps to contain the black market and reduce the crime associated with it.”
Working closely with an experienced expert, an addiction counsellor, addiction prevention trainer and examiner for the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), the club has developed a comprehensive plan for youth protection, prevention and security. This detailed plan describes the wide range of measures the club will implement to protect young people and prevent addiction.
“Our plan is intended to set new standards for passing on cannabis responsibly,” De Marco says in conclusion. “By documenting our measures carefully, we want to make sure that our prevention work can be verified and that a solid basis for evaluation is created.”
Cannabis Social Club Dortmund initially plans to admit 100 members. Once it has received the cultivation licence, the club will rent suitable premises in order to start growing cannabis. Talks with potential landlords are already under way. The club expects a decision on the application by November 2024.