Two German cities to launch adult-use sales pilot

Germany has announced its cannabis model city projects in Frankfurt and Hannover. These initiatives, marking Germany's first controlled cannabis retail efforts, will allow the cities to gather valuable insights on consumption behaviors, public health, and strategies to combat the illegal cannabis market, moving the country's cannabis policy from theory to practice.

Scheduled to launch in early 2025, the model city projects were established to support scientific research into cannabis consumption under-regulated, controlled conditions. In Hannover, the initiative championed by Mayor Belit Onay-will involve up to three authorized sales locations for THC products, including cannabis flowers and hashish, available to registered adult participants only.

Similarly, Frankfurt will implement a controlled cannabis distribution system led by Social and Health Officer Elke Voitl, who has structured the project to ensure purchases are restricted to healthy adult residents registered within the city's dedicated cannabis shops. As part of the five-year study, participants in both cities will undergo regular health assessments to measure any impact on their health and well-being.

Clifford Starke, Chief Executive Officer of Flora Growth, said: "We commend Germany's progressive approach in advancing cannabis regulation through these model projects. The transition from a theoretical framework to an applied model in controlled retail represents an extraordinary opportunity for robust public health research. This effort aligns with Flora's vision to provide safe, effective cannabis products under the highest standards of regulatory compliance and to enhance consumer understanding of cannabis in Europe."

The introduction of these controlled retail models represents an important milestone in Europe's cannabis industry and underscores Germany's commitment to pursuing evidence-based cannabis policy. Flora looks forward to being part of this transformative journey as the German government seeks to build a safer, transparent, and well-regulated cannabis market for its citizens.