Overview

• As of mid-July 2025, German authorities have approved 293 Cannabis Social Clubs, rejected 27 applications, and have 328 pending.
• North Rhine-Westphalia leads with 83 approved clubs; Saarland remains the only state without a license, with seven applications undergoing on-site inspections.
• Bavaria has granted eight permits and is defending four lawsuits that challenge approval conditions or denials.
• States’ licensing practices vary, with some requiring comprehensive pre-approval inspections that have extended processing times.
• Union and SPD have scheduled an outcome-neutral evaluation of the Cannabisgesetz for autumn 2025 to review its uneven rollout.