Cannabis plant could contribute to German sustainability efforts post legalisation – industry

The potential of cannabis for climate action and sustainability should be included in the new German government coalition’s plans, the German Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW) and the Federal Sustainability Association (BVNG) have said in a joint statement following the coalition’s announcement that it will legalise recreational cannabis use. The hemp industry can contribute to climate action and sustainability in many different fields, for example by using the plant as a carbon sink; in food production or by replacing synthetic materials in clothing and construction with hemp fibres. “At lot has been forgotten in terms of hemp use over the past 70 to 80 years,” said BVNG deputy leader Martin Wittau. The new government must therefore quickly remove cannabis from the list of illegal drugs and instead invest in research and development regarding the many benefits the plant may offer in a more sustainable economy. The lobby groups point out that their call is backed by the European hemp industry, arguing that EU-wide support is needed to strengthen the continent’s budding hemp businesses with respect to competitors, for example from North America.

 The new German government’s coalition treaty stipulates a legalisation of cannabis production and retailing in licensed stores, following decades of the plant’s criminialisation. The move would create one of the world’s largest markets for cannabis products, which apart from its use as a drug has a variety of properties that make the plant a versatile material for construction and other purposes.