Shortly

• The IG Hanf is fundamentally opposed to a blanket limitation of the THC content.
• A differentiated view is required for cannabis flowers, cannabis extracts and edibles.

Displace the black market through realistic THC limits

The IG Hanf fundamentally rejects a THC limit of 20%, as used in pilot tests. Products with a THC content higher than 20% are available on the black market and are in demand.

Given the objective of combating the black market, a rigid THC limit is not considered to be effective. Experience from Canada and other countries shows that when there is demand for higher-dose products, an illegal supply is established again, the product safety and quality of which cannot be guaranteed, or runs counter to the intended consumer protection.

• If the legislature stipulates a mandatory limit on the THC content, the maximum THC content in cannabis flowers should be limited to at least 25 – 30% (plus 25% tolerance).
• In order to cope with competition from the black market, cannabis extracts should in principle be able to be produced and traded without restrictions on their THC content.
• A THC limit per piece should be introduced for cannabis edibles. A maximum content of 10 mg THC per piece could prevent unwanted side effects associated with oral THC ingestion.

Raising the THC limit compared to the pilot trials will protect consumers from unclean and unsafe cannabis products, which will continue to be available exclusively on the black market. Only realistic handling can effectively eliminate the black market and achieve sustainable regulation.