The budding German cannabis industry | DW Business

Germany has legalized cannabis, and now a new industry is taking off across the country. But there's a catch. Under the German law, marijuana is not available for commercial sales itself. Nevertheless, many advocates see the decriminalization as a first step and of course there's all the infrastructure needed for growing weed. We turn to one cannabis technology company, Dirk's Grow Shop, to find out more about how the legalization has lit up their business.
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#business #cannabis

[@dwnews]

EDITORIAL NOTE: A previous version of a map in this interview oversimplified where and how cannabis use is legal -- instead of drawing a distinction between medical use, recreational use and decriminalization. Due to this, we have edited out the map. We regret the error.

[@mukhumor]

In Canada the cannabis industry is worth $1,000,000,000 and employs 86,000 people. People don't have to meet Drug Dealers anymore.

[@sddxsyf]

Canadian government is the drug dealer!

[@ClashClash89]

Germany and the European Union aren't that smart though. :( Friggin politicians standing in the way of my dreamjob...

[@wizewizard1840]

I hope Germany will follow that example. I want to be able to buy professionally grown weed that is analysed and sure to be clean and safe!

[@spicypunch6029]

​@@wizewizard1840 cannabis Clubs do have a really high Standard for the quality.

[@ClashClash89]

@@wizewizard1840 "safe" is always relative, and there will always be "some risk involved". Thankfully those risk are comparably small. "professionally grown" and "clean", are things, that german residents, now finally could take charge of, personally. Or just take care in the choice of Cannabis Club (soonish), IF you even got "Options" and if you don't mind the state, logging you consumption. Tourists will still have to rely on the blackmarket. (Yet another missed/ignored oportunity to limit said blackmarket)

[@stefanie2295]

as a 55 year old from germany i still can't really believe it.. it will take some time until i realize it and can smoke weed without a guilty conscience.. i still think i'm dreaming...i always wished that when i'm old i don't have to get weed on the street anymore.. i'm happy that i can grow my own medicine for my pains in the future ♥peace and love to all of you

[@wizewizard1840]

Endlich ein erster Schritt in die richtige Richtung. Hoffen wir, dass die Christdemokraten und Christsozialisten es nicht wieder kaputt machen.

[@Adlibitum92]

geht mir auch so bin zwar erst 32 und konsumiere erst seit 14 Jahren aber mit fällt es auch noch schwer das dauert noch eine Zeit bis man das verinnerlicht hat ❤

[@petecartwright5211]

You'll get good at that growing stuff, too. You'll grow better smoke than you can buy. You can get ANY and ALL grow supplies shipped right to your door. Just remember...when Mother Earth gives up her bounty, she does it in droves. Be prepared...

[@user-yn5ct2mb4z]

BERLIN WEED❤😂

[@petecartwright5211]

@@user-yn5ct2mb4z Right! Just watch them come up with their own strains. Berlin Bubba, Berlin Hanky-Stank...

[@Smashy2009]

I don´t care about comercialising weed. The process of growing my own is just as therapeutic to me as the consumption.

[@themondayguy]

Indeed. Those people who've been halting this legalization process for decades don't have the right to be like "oh this weed ain't so bad actually" and smoking it after all of this

[@marcurious]

@@themondayguy I hope they do smoke it, enjoy it and regret being so against it. I will gladly see a world with more people accepting it than creating another unneccessary "us vs them" situation.

[@masonhancock5350]

If you care about freedom, fairness, and rationality then yes it should be produced as easily as Red Bull.

[@chuckycheeser]

this is the real solution, not the government getting their hands in it.

[@chuckycheeser]

@@masonhancock5350 Sadly that's not how it needs to work. They just want to tax and control it, not allow you to grow your own.

[@ran1311]

legalize cannabis it's not a crime

[@gluteusmaximus1657]

Ich lach mir einen Ast an den Kopf. So ein Getue um so eine wunderbare Pflanze. Es wurde wirklich Zeit für Legalisierung.

[@m.goodengumman3941]

The Alcohol drinks companies lobbies won't be happy, as more people will switch to weed instead of expensive drinks high 😂 all political and money,

[@gluteusmaximus1657]

@@m.goodengumman3941 Alcohol and pharma monopolies.

[@Kahsimiah]

Entkrminalisierung. Das Gesetz ist sehr restriktiv, betont, dass Cannabis mit Ausnahmen illegal ist. Das ist weit von einer Legalisierung entfernt.

[@nirajshrestha5621]

Is germany ready to receive gift from Botswana 20000 elephants to protect, conserve.

[@Kahsimiah]

@nirajshrestha5621 why, do they like weed? :-D

[@frankcherry3810]

Dont forget us in Thailand

[@yoursubconscious]

🙏 that's it!!

[@Sk8Bird]

Good point.

[@rbn-190]

I read that thailand is going to revoke the legalization by the end of the year?

[@hextatik_sound]

@@rbn-190 That's what I read too.

[@AuslanderViko]

@@rbn-190 very bad news

[@SkywalkerPaul]

Watching from my couch in Germany 😊🪴❤️

[@nirajshrestha5621]

Is germany ready to receive gift from Botswana 20000 elephants to protect, conserve.

[@PiscatorLager]

@@nirajshrestha5621 We Germans are too stoned to care by now

[@sorinbalaj7583]

Bruder Same ein Wunder

[@FCKNZSSCM]

@@nirajshrestha5621 Are elephants a new type of grass!? We'll take care!🤣

[@deejao8028]

I envy every single German now 😢😢

[@KitChesh]

Congratulations Germany!!!

[@ralfkuzina6507]

Thx

[@Co-km6cl]

dankeschön

[@FCKNZSSCM]

Vielen Dank!😘

[@HedgehogZone]

Thx

[@muiz2024]

Germany is my new favourite country PL

[@AB-tv2rm]

Mine too.😂

[@yoursubconscious]

hahah!!

[@ewhat2498]

Why? you cant even buy something.

[@muchbetterthangold]

🎉

[@maschinenorganismus]

@@ewhat2498 its called weed for a reason. Growing it is as easy as it get. For humongous output, you could gain knowledge and grow by growing :-D

[@nikolasmaes99]

She asks good questions, very well, first step in breaking down the stigma is talking about it.

[@paulbo9033]

Absolutely ridiculous he was sent to prison for 2 years just for growing a naturally occuring plant. I hope he has his record expunged and is well compensated.

[@Jochitko]

THIS!!

[@MysteryHistorySeries]

This is germany, sadly complete opposite of USA. If anything he might get a 100 bucks for the 2 years, most likely nothing

[@ashleyathill1884]

Congratulations Germany 🇩🇪….. ❤ from Canada 🇨🇦

[@Jan0683]

Greetings back! Finally the fight is over and im not longer a criminal for smoking weed.🤝🏻

[@maximusoperandi4258]

In my opinion, Canopy Growth Corporation (CGC) has a jewel in its portfolio, namely the German manufacturer of vaporizers Storz & Birkel. The electronic high-tech devices are the only ones that are medically certified in Germany and in fact one benefit of such a device is that the user of such a device can consume without having to use tobacco and without having to inhale unhealthy smoke (the devices work combustion-free). I think that demand for the devices will increase significantly with the change of law in Germany on 1st April because people will no longer have to worry that owning such a device will get them into trouble.

[@Astroteolog]

like the Volcano

[@seanharris6205]

The look on his face when she asked about jail time!!!! Priceless...

[@tbd-5160]

Weed Capital? The Weed Capital is Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. You can buy weed at the gas station. Even mushrooms are legal here.

[@SeeLasSee]

Does the Guinness Book of World Records have categories for this.

[@tbd-5160]

@@SeeLasSee You'd have to go to Ireland

[@GAmerJUM]

fr dawg?

[@ItsMe-yg4yi]

America is founded mostly by Europeans.. its just like a outpost for us..

[@peacelove4600]

Have you ever tried a german beer from Bavaria?

[@aaronhopkins6697]

Good on you Germany, Finally ! Can you please send the message directly to Australian politicians that it's NOW ok to legalise cannabis Immediately.

[@soultrap8554]

One can only hope, but won't be holding my breath on that one:(

[@Randy1337]

I am on it, my Austrian friend!! 🙋‍♂️🇦🇹

[@Ceramic_disc]

I will do it my brother in mind. Australia and Germany hold together! To which address do I have to address the letter?

[@FCKNZSSCM]

Time will come!😉

[@andreasz9543]

Great video with a genuine person, that is invested in the topic. Great stuff

[@user-qs7tl4nk7s]

I’ve been waiting for this in Japan.

[@michaelgregor6301]

Lets hope you dont wait for another half decade. I know how strong the stigma is in your country but Nigeria is even worse with its death sentence.

[@mfhex1398]

From what I know about Japan and most Asian countries, you will have to wait a long time for that. Fingers crossed though, that the German decision will have a positive effect on other countries worldwide 👍

[@Randy1337]

:)

[@sandrovieira5772]

More countries will follow 😊

[@nandafenanda8269]

ye bcs germany is EUs leading country 🥦🥦🥦

[@paulbo9033]

News reporter: "what do you look for in high quality weed?" [Asking for a friend] Lmao

[@dmalinowski15]

In Canada people select cannabis in exactly the way Dirk said. Price point, taste, thc over 20%.

[@loveulez]

That’s what we all want

[@noway2451]

who wants >20% thc? id rather stay in the 10-20% range and chill a little.

[@TheRealXXDarknezz]

Well he said he doesn't care about THC so much but most about flavour and aroma. My first weed grow that I will start soon will be with about 15% THC weed with nice flavour

[@peteypablo2081]

Nice! Greetings from Canada as I puff on my legal OG Kush ;)

[@salsabil44]

I´m still unsure about a few things, like who will supply the cannabis clubs?

[@icysurfer1]

Dude's a Pioneer. I know one, as I too am from the Medical Days in NorCal. Awards won.

[@vonera]

what a cool guy

[@AuslanderViko]

Very good interview

[@militant_pacifist]

Time to get in.

[@SmokeDogArma]

Well done Germany

[@davidkaranja295]

It is indeed the HIGh time to grow the Herb in Germany!

[@mfmatthew420]

Cool guy, great interview!

[@uggali]

6:59 did she just leek his criminal record without his consent?

[@HeroInHelp]

Well met, Dirk.

[@notbeefyproductions7109]

Please Help New Zealand Decriminalise and Legalise cannabis,Congratulations to Germany!

[@alkazeicer9616]

UK is not legalized yet

[@simonscott5104]

I think they mean it is for medical. One day bro one day.........

[@j_r_-]

Medical use is legal in uk but they keep it quiet

[@reme7903]

Good for Germany showing the example for the rest of Europe!

[@stroll1212]

Cali is already in Germany working on high quality flower the only problem is the German Cannabis law on the THC is weak.

[@uberdenwolken4564]

„Smoking cannabis is now legal“ It was always legal to smoke it here. But now it is legal to possess it. You should take that into account as an professional journalist.

[@NemoNobody0]

correct

[@amygarvey4348]

Same as the u.k really. Police dont care anymore. Might aswell legalise it here. More alcohol kills than any amount of cannabis! Class A in the u.k 😂

[@TheRealXXDarknezz]

Wörtlich genommen, ja. Aber faktisch konnte man kaum legal rauchen/konsumieren ohne erwerben, besitzen, anbauen usw..

[@Jan0683]

"Consumption is not prohibited, but possession is" was always very questionable.

[@deejao8028]

It’s like that in most countries it’s never illegal to consume or be high it’s just legal to possess them

[@TheGimmers]

All those puns in less than 20 seconds! I'm amazed

[@Kairac112]

you know, with legalisation, that weed dealer on that vice documentary that wanted to get out of the bizz because too much of the weed was spiced with... spice? Now he doesn't need to drop what he loved, he can go all legal

[@DimitriosCharalampidis]

@6:56 the map is definitely wrong.

[@andreschou9560]

loving it !

[@KM-em9me]

If the Germans grow weed as well as they make automobiles we should be in for a treat.

[@pseudoscynce420]

Someone needs to tell the people growing that are new to it that things are left out when watching grow videos. they will find the right way to grow. but it's best to get more than one source of advice when personal growth is a situation that people are involved in.

[@haukesievers7909]

Are You from Great Britain? When will You begin to legalize? Now it could become easier. Thank You for the video 💚🌿🙋🏼

[@haukesievers7909]

United Staates I think ... Friendly greetings anyway

[@ObserversOfHumanity]

Go Germany!

[@peacelove4600]

im so stoonded i cant barley see and yo i cant feel my ffeed like they are light i never di this again. 25 gramm in 2 hors was to much i think. greetings from bavaria

[@feuervogel1880]

😂

[@muchbetterthangold]

Cheers 😎

[@oriusnex]

Safe travels, psychonaut

[@Randy1337]

Rofl 😂❤

[@Randy1337]

​@oriusnex ❤

[@naveedmaherusa1687]

I am from 🇺🇸 love Germany 🇩🇪 😍 ❤️

[@cheeva_dj]

Absolutely!

[@Fajita.tamale]

Congrats from Denver 🥳

[@AhmadShahir-ie2se]

At first I want to say congratulations for all people of Germany who smoke weed. I live in Munich city and still I didn’t understand how can I find this and how can I buy it legally if anyone knows please help me to clarify this issue.

[@schockoticket]

Ach wie cool der Henk Paschulke 😄😄😄

[@acbgames1766]

Great step in defeating the vices of paternalism.

[@lurpsn8260]

Smoking cannabis was legal before, now we can posses 25 gram outside and 50 gram at home + 3 living plants. There is more then just the no cannabis zones, it is also illegal to smoke near underage (

[@OnatGG]

Expats cannot buy?

[@joeyvico]

I really hope it gives a good boost to the German economy. Much needed

[@umcentavo7544]

Dude, Brazil is not legal not even decriminalized, where did you get that info?

[@simonscott5104]

um same here in the uk ,but midical is legal. Maybe medical cannabis is legal for some in Brazil . Hope they free the weed for you soon bro.

[@jchastain789]

Why not make it the full 28 gram oz. 25gram limit is odd

[@NemoNobody0]

Let me guess, you're from this one special country where people measure stuff in eagles per freedom, miles per gallon of barbecue sauce, and acres of apple pie, right? Just a friendly reminder that the majority of countries, including every single country in Europe, uses the metric system 🙂

[@jchastain789]

@@NemoNobody0 no, can't say I've ever heard of that place

[@militant_pacifist]

Disabilities come in a lot of shapes and sizes. This is one of them.

[@MrPaperVader]

@@militant_pacifist not using metric system is the biggest L

[@100100freak]

@@jchastain789 It is because we dont use oz at all.. I didnt even hear of it before coming into contact with american culture and how weed is measured in the US. Since 25g is a quarter of 100g this is much more intuitive for us than oz or 28gs would be

[@Clancydaenlightened]

Nun, die Orte, die Cannabis anbieten, erheben lediglich einen Mitgliedsbeitrag pro Besuch oder monatlich Sie zahlen für eine „Dienstleistung“, nicht für Cannabis wie eine Rauch- und Barlounge mit einer kleinen Küche, sodass Sie auch eine Bäckerei und ein Restaurant haben. wie ein Coffeeshop jenseits der Grenze

[@YouplayZ]

nicht ganz. Im Csc und bis 100m auf Sichtweite vom Eingang soll nach aktuellem Stand der Konsum verboten bleiben.

[@Absolukely]

yo, this guy knows what's up the flavor is what I look out for in weed as well. And having too high THC content just ends up giving a bad high IMO

[@Soulfood22]

So true. Flavor is key. That's also what most politicians don't understand. That's why they're afraid that people will only consume the strongest stuff. But you also don't drink the hardest stuff available just because you want to get as wasted as possible.

[@deerazor8280]

I only have one question, when will this lifesaving decision affect Scotland?

[@NostalgicVideos254]

Do they do overseas delivery?🤔

[@Mightydoggo]

They don´t even do overseas import, sadly. Funny enough, you are not allowed to ship or buy seeds inside the country either, so we basically gifted that import market to the Dutch and Spanish (for now.)

[@anonharingenamn]

Haha you have to have lived in Germany for six months in order to buy or grow cannabis legally.

[@Padlaizys]

​@@anonharingenamnreally? 6 months?

[@anonharingenamn]

@@Padlaizys it’s for German residents. Not for tourists. It’s not Amsterdam.

[@Padlaizys]

@@anonharingenamn shame, economy would be booming. Oh well, I seriously considered going there for that reason

[@Davao420]

Wrong map in in 6:52, Norway still has a restrictive policy. The proposal by the previous government to decriminalize all drugs for personal consumption was voted down by the current government.

[@simonscott5104]

same here in the uk. I think they mean medical

[@mhopjr]

Poland only medical is legal, so... this map bad.

[@Fitandover40]

Man i want to work with that guy! Precise, smart, coherent, articulated and seems humble. No wonder he smokes! Never met a nasty person that smokes cannabis😂😂 Hopefully it will become legal in the whole of the EU. Growing good quality Cannabis is very technically colplex, specially indoors and has a very steep and long learning curve so legalization will also open up the market for tons of innovations and will ramp up a very interesting and LARGE industry, it will create jobs, business and the overall quality of life of those involved, I belive.

[@AdmiringSolarSystem-wo1ss]

Uk needs too follow this 😊

[@msblast731]

it should be henks growshop

[@Hackney_Boy-DoesntReadReplies]

At 6:48 you show the UK in blue among other legal countries, I wish this were true, doesn't stop anyone though. 🤣🤣

[@vaibhawchaurasia7599]

2:30 What's that machine?

[@Soulfood22]

It's a bud trimming machine

[@jaybrown5525]

Thank you Germany I'm just a homeless white guy in America but I'm a stoner I've been smoking pot since I was 12 years old I'm 58 now America needs to follow you and legalize it for everybody

[@jeremylindsey94]

I love weed. I also know what kind of people push for advocacy and why.

[@CHIEF_420]

🌬

[@gattibandz2808]

Nice... Now Commercialize ! cant wait to extend my Buisness here in Thailand to Germany 🤑 Iam a German Grower and Weed Buisness Owner in Thailand.

[@YouplayZ]

This is the reason not to commercialize.

[@Randy1337]

Du hast es ja auch geschafft mein Freund! 👍🙋‍♂️

[@jamesblond5084]

will google maps include smoking zones soon?

[@lordkorner]

Thank you olaf, you did something right 😊

[@Makes_me_wonder]

The germans gonna smoke weed everyday

[@nandafenanda8269]

doing allrdy 20 years

[@Rod732]

@@nandafenanda8269the drug addicts

[@paugasolina5048]

This woman is so pretty. She looks like an angel

[@abdabiso]

A problem of joints 😅

[@Randy1337]

Rofl 😂❤🥰

[@fraserthomson5766]

Bravo Deutschland!

[@h4st74]

amazing

[@reme7903]

6:50 this chart isn't accurate. It's not legal in England, Finland, or some us states like Texas for example.

[@w.terrace5394]

Every time I drove by a cannabis store here in the US, I don't see any customers. I guess smoking isn't cool anymore since legalization.

[@m.goodengumman3941]

What time do you go past the shops? Weed smokers sleep it off during the day and out in evening/ night shopping 😂

[@JamTrackWorld]

Love it that his business is growing. That's exactly why Germany needed the legalization. Huge tax revenues! New jobs and opportunities.

[@masonhancock5350]

If you think more tax money is needed to be seized off people, you have smoked entirely too much already. The tax rate in Germany is a huge problem.

[@100100freak]

@@masonhancock5350 that was not his point genius

[@dstaff7373]

Washington, DC Been legal since 2014. Get with the Times Germany 🇩🇪, weed n Shrooms Delivery...

[@icysurfer1]

Legal Cannabis is ALWAYS an Evolving project. Regardless of Country.

[@peacego624]

Congratulations, so happy for you!!!! Logic and reason won! A great step for Germany and a great step for Europe.

[@Detvanliga]

Legalize!! .

[@user-vx5ld3wf4e]

Come on UK follow this

[@kartoffelbrey9817]

Endlich!

[@jptrainor]

Don't get too high on the puns there DW.

[@samabrahams7687]

Nice guess i need to move to germany

[@nanaseneris2299]

dont come here for that, might as well move to netherlands lol

[@nick00176]

Soon, Germany will be the largest producer and exporter of cannabis ✌🏻

[@politedemons]

no it wont. idk how a much smaller country will outproduce the us anytime soon.

[@Suitswonderland]

The UK is the largest exporter and grower, we were growing and selling it too Canada while saying it was a poison and jailing people here.@@politedemons

[@politedemons]

canada and the states def produces more and exports more tho @@Suitswonderland

[@GLOCKROCK2013]

Exporting is not allowed, you are not even allowed to give your friend a gramm of yours.

[@militant_pacifist]

@@politedemons How? By it being federally legalized. Allowing producers and dispensaries to open bank accounts and not having to deal in cash. By having access to the EU single market, being sticklers for efficiency and precision, while legalizing one of the most underserved prohibited market and having open borders.

[@rafaelfe]

Correcting wrong information in the video: Brazil appeared on the map as having Cannabis legalized, but it is not at all.

[@henrioertel1850]

We actually have high competion from other countries in europe ✈️

[@Shadinray96]

What are the taxes used for?

[@yeetboi268]

for me

[@mit4c]

4 day work week

[@pragueexpat5106]

For modernizing the German army

[@julianshepherd2038]

Free beer for children over 7

[@militant_pacifist]

Freibier für Alle.

[@vanessaswift9132]

UK is so behind Iit will help so many people and prevent going to the Drs and using addictive medication which causes worse side effects than healing

[@SuperTank121212]

1:01 da ist nicht bloß Cannabis im System ;-)

[@ezydoesit993]

10 euros P g is robbery.... My dealer gets me for 6euros. I'll stick with my dealer

[@SAGAWISIW30]

After the berlin waalll now the Cannabis wall horraaaaah

[@stefanmohr8450]

Best day of my life

[@LokiBeckonswow]

terrible pun, 10 points for commitment though

[@eugenemonaghan8943]

There should be measures put into place to stop the corporatiseation of production when larger scale production starts. Keep it with the people who fought for it and don't hand it over to bankers and vulture ceos from the business world. This is what appears to have happened in America and Canada.

[@mfitzgerald130]

In Australia they decriminalized marijuana in the capital territory named Canberra, so I hear you say, it's also where the federal government and parliament house resides , so it's ok for federal politicians to smoke the weed and people living in Canberra but no other state's or Australian Citizens , go figure 😂lol

[@Mr.Eternal966]

im not sure if im too high or this is a parody... is it for real? i checked the date and it says 6 hours ago.... im that high?

[@Sir-Complains-a-Lot]

Yes, youre very very high, but its true as well.

[@eSheeep]

Was geht bitte bei dir ab, dass du den ganzen Prozess die letzten Wochen und Monate verpasst hast, INKLUSIVE dem 1. April? o.O