Almost 300 licensed cannabis clubs in Germany: NRW, Berlin & Co.

The cannabis landscape in Germany is changing rapidly: almost 300 cultivation clubs have already been approved, and more and more legal services for cannabis users are emerging across the country. But how do these clubs work? What do membership and strains cost? How many grow clubs are there? The news.

The news: Almost 300 licensed cannabis clubs in Germany

Since partial legalization in 2024, cultivation clubs have become a central component of the new cannabis regulation. According to Deutschlandfunk, almost 300 clubs have already been approved across Germany. North Rhine-Westphalia (83) and Lower Saxony (55) are particularly well represented, while federal states such as Saarland have yet to approve a club.

Regional differences and figures

The distribution of approved clubs is very uneven: while NRW and Lower Saxony are leading the way, Berlin (7), Thuringia (6) and Bremen (2) are lagging behind. A total of over 320 applications are still being processed. In addition, there were at least 27 rejections and 53 voluntary withdrawals – a sign of the growing but also complex scene.

• NRW: 83 clubs, Lower Saxony: 55 clubs
• Rhineland-Palatinate: 27, Baden-Württemberg: 23
• Berlin: 7, Thuringia: 6, Bremen: 2, Saarland: 0

Source: DIE ZEIT

Political discussion and outlook

The current federal government (CDU, CSU, SPD) wants to review the Cannabis Act in the fall of 2025; we reported on the CDU/CSU’s planned draft bill. The main focus will be on youth protection, prevention and black market restrictions. For consumers, this means that it will remain exciting to see how the scene develops and whether new rules or changes will follow.

Cultivation association by federal state: per million inhabitants

Here are the current figures from 08/25. sorted by most cannabis clubs per 1 million inhabitants. The top 3:

1. Hamburg
2. Lower Saxony
3. Rhineland-Palatinate

Distribution of growers’ associations by federal state

Here you can see the distribution of growers’ associations by federal state.

Infographic: Cultivation association by resident

Table: Cultivation association by resident

Federal state	Inhabitants	Quantity	per million
Hamburg	1.9 million	13	6,8
Lower Saxony	8.1 million	55	6,8
Rhineland-Palatinate	4.2 million	27	6,4
Brandenburg	2.5 million	16	6,4
Saxony-Anhalt	2.2 million	14	6,4
North Rhine-Westphalia	17.9 million	83	4,6
Saxony	4.1 million	16	3,9
Schleswig-Holstein	2.9 million	9	3,1
Thuringia	2.1 million	6	2,9
Bremen	0.7 million	2	2,9
Baden-Württemberg	11.2 million	23	2,1
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania	1.6 million	3	1,9
Berlin	3.9 million	7	1,8
Hesse	6.4 million	11	1,7
Saarland	1.0 million	1	1,0
Bavaria	13.4 million	8	0,6

Growers’ associations: How membership, varieties & costs work

A cannabis cultivation club (CSC) is a private, non-commercial association of adults who grow cannabis together and distribute it exclusively to members. Advertising, edibles and resale are prohibited. Consumption may only take place privately, not in the club rooms or in public.

Membership and procedure

Anyone who wants to become a member of a CSC registers, shows their ID and accepts the rules. There is usually an admission fee and a monthly contribution (€10-30). In addition, members pay for the products, which often cost between €6 and €10 per gram. Many associations offer community activities, voluntary work or a say in varieties.

• Admission fee & monthly fee
• Prices: approx. 6-10 €/g
• Collaboration & community possible

Varieties & quality? What do you get here

Typical varieties in the clubs are well-known classics such as Amnesia Haze, OG Kush or Sour Diesel. Members often have a say in what is grown. Important: Pesticide-free cultivation, internal quality checks and transparent processes ensure safe products. You get a maximum of 50 g cannabis per month.

Alternative: medicinal cannabis with CannaZen

If you need cannabis for medical reasons, there is a convenient alternative: you can apply for a doctor’s prescription online via CannaZen and have tested buds delivered directly to your home. No queues, no paperwork – simply digital.

How does it work?

You register free of charge, enter your details and receive your prescription after a medical examination. The order is placed directly via the partner pharmacies and is usually delivered within 48 hours. It could hardly be easier.

• Request treatment

Who is it suitable for?

Medical cannabis is used to treat chronic pain, sleep disorders, neurological disorders or as an accompanying therapy for serious illnesses. CannaZen works with experienced doctors to provide you with safe and legally compliant treatment.

• Online registration & prescription
• 48h home delivery
• Tested quality from the pharmacy

Changing cannabis scene

Whether in a club with communal cultivation or as a patient with a doctor’s prescription – the cannabis landscape in Germany is more diverse than ever. With almost 300 approved cultivation clubs, regional differences and an exciting political debate, it’s worth staying informed. And if you need medicinal cannabis, CannaZen is a modern and legal alternative right on your doorstep.