Europe is home to an interesting approach to cannabis commerce. Whereas current European Union agreements prohibit national adult-use cannabis commerce models, like what Canada has, the EU does permit member nations to conduct limited recreational cannabis commerce for research purposes.

That type of research-based cannabis commerce is typically referred to as pilot trials, pilot programs, or model regions for the controlled distribution of cannabis. Regardless of the terminology used to describe it, the concept is straightforward. Local consumers, cannabis producers, and retailers can register to participate in limited adult-use commerce so that researchers and policymakers can gather data and information.

Switzerland was the first jurisdiction to launch a regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trial. Basel, Switzerland’s pilot project has operated since January 2023. After more than three years of the regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trial operating in Basel, authorities continue to find positive results. The Netherlands also permits pilots, and multiple projects are operating there with no major issues reported.

Another European country that has legalized pilot trials is Germany. In 2024, German lawmakers passed the historic CanG measure. The first provisions of the CanG went into effect in April 2024, legalizing personal cannabis cultivation, possession, and use by adults. Later, in July 2024, adults could start applying to operate member-based cultivation associations.

The “second pillar” of Germany’s legalization model focuses on adult-use pilot trials. Unfortunately, no pilot trial applications have been approved so far, despite several jurisdictions publicly expressing interest in launching their own pilots. Below is a list of jurisdictions in Germany that have applied or expressed interest in pilot trials via the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW):

“Scientific monitoring will allow for the measurement and evaluation of the economic, health-related, and social impacts of regulated distribution. These findings could help to realistically assess the opportunities and challenges of potential legalization across Germany and the EU.” BvCW states on its website.

Only time will tell when Germany sees its first adult-use pilot trial get off the ground. Cannabis opponents in Germany’s government may continue to act as if they are ‘reinventing the wheel,’ however, if several jurisdictions in Switzerland and the Netherlands can successfully launch and properly oversee pilot trials, there is no valid reason why Germany can’t do the same.