First cannabis harvest in Königs Wusterhausen: success or risk?

First cannabis harvest in Königs Wusterhausen: success or risk?

In Königs Wusterhausen, the Dahme-Spree cannabis club opened its doors in April 2024 and is now taking stock after a year of cannabis cultivation. Chairman René Schwalbe provides insight into the work of the club, whose cultivation permit was granted following the legalization of cannabis for personal use in Germany in 2024. What's special: The plants are cultivated in a video-monitored warehouse near Cottbus, where work has been carried out under laboratory-like conditions since January 2025. Artificial lighting and an automated irrigation system are used.

But Schwalbe also knows that the work is not always easy. “We had to recreate the living conditions of the plants perfectly,” he reports. The club attaches particular importance to avoiding chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. The 167 members are allowed to collect a maximum of 25 grams per day or 50 grams per month after paying the monthly fee of 59.95 euros (for members under 21 years 29.95 euros).

The first harvest and further plans

The first harvest took place in April 2025 and allowed members to pick up their cannabis in May. The club grows six different varieties, including Cookie Gelato, Medusa and Apple Fritter. The next harvest is due in a few weeks, and Schwalbe plans to grow the plants in water containers in the future to increase yields and reduce pest infestation.

But not everything goes without challenges. Schwalbe reveals the difficulties in daily work: “I would like more helpers, but we can only offer mini-jobs.” There are also legal hurdles that make it more difficult to distribute cannabis to members, including a strict ban on advertising.

Political uncertainties and upcoming decisions

The future of cannabis cultivation associations in Germany is uncertain. There is political uncertainty as the CDU and CSU are calling for a reversal of legalization in their election manifesto. The new Federal Drug Commissioner Hendrik Streeck has also expressed concerns about the traffic light's cannabis policy. These developments could strengthen or weaken existing clubs, causing excitement among members and operators.

Across Germany, at least 182 applications for cannabis cultivation associations have been submitted since the cannabis law came into force, but only 83 of them have been approved. Five applications were submitted in Brandenburg, which is a manageable number compared to other federal states. North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg, for example, are particularly active, with 114 and 72 applications respectively, while Bavaria continues to act restrictively and has not issued any licenses. Processing the applications can take up to three months, which causes unrest among the clubs.

The challenges facing cannabis cultivation clubs

The authorities place high demands on the cultivation associations. The strict requirements include distance rules, safety regulations and the submission of health and youth protection concepts. Regular checks are intended to ensure that all requirements are adhered to. In addition, in some federal states there is a processing fee of several thousand euros, which represents an additional hurdle.

The Cannabis Club Dahme-Spree and similar facilities are part of a new drug policy development in Germany. While some parties advocate strengthening these cultivation associations, the opposition warns against a possible reversal of legalization. Whether and how this will affect the clubs remains to be seen.

In any case, one thing is clear: Cannabis cultivation in Brandenburg shows that a new era has begun that will influence many circumstances - from private consumption to the political discourses that will affect all of Germany. A good hand is required to survive in this emerging market.

For more information on the current situation of cannabis cultivation associations in Germany, read the reports from RBB24, ZDF and Cannabib.