I’m absolutely thrilled to announce our upcoming event centered around the CSC (Cannabis Social Club) model. We have the honor of hosting four esteemed experts specializing in cannabis public policy, bringing a wealth of experience to the table. Among them is a key protagonist in the German legalization process, making this event truly exceptional.
Hosted in collaboration with the Bundesvereinigung Nachhaltigkeit e.V. (the German federal association for Sustainability), this event will take place the day before the Mary Jane conference.
Why is This Important Now?
The German government has declared that Cannabis Clubs (Anbaugemeinschaften) will be allowed, but they will differ from the Spanish model. Unlike the community-centric Spanish CSCs, the German version will function more like dispensaries, where people can buy cannabis but won’t have the same social interactions or community settings. This is a significant limitation, as social consumption environments have been shown to promote healthier consumption habits compared to solitary use.
What is a CSC (Cannabis Social Club)?
A CSC is a non-profit association where members grow and share high-quality cannabis at a very low price in a community setting. This model, which originated in Spain, emphasizes social interaction and community, providing a stark contrast to the commercial grower model focused on profit.
However, it’s important to recognize that the Spanish model isn’t perfect, either. Many clubs operate in a permitted grey zone, facing regular discrimination from the Spanish police and government. Despite these challenges, Spain’s long history with CSCs offers a wealth of experience from which we can learn. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel.
Germany has made significant policy advancements, and now, Spain and the rest of the EU are looking towards Germany. This is the perfect time to ask our Spanish friends and colleagues about their learnings. Together, we can exchange ideas, broaden our horizons, and share experiences to build a model that makes sense for everyone.
This collaborative approach benefits not just clubs and members, but also neighbors, politicians, lawmakers, and bureaucrats. When used correctly and integrated into a system designed to improve lives, cannabis can create opportunities for exchange, dialogue, learning, and growth.
Currently, we have a door opener and a global community that shares the same passion and hope: that this herb will freely help people enhance their quality of life. By substituting alcohol-focused gatherings with cannabis, we can create local jobs, promote harm reduction, and raise awareness of the 25,000 other uses of cannabis. These efforts can significantly improve our way of living and contribute to a more peaceful life.
What’s Happening at the Event?
We are thrilled to announce that we will have the honor of hosting two esteemed experts specializing in public policies related to cannabis. They will share a wealth of experience in Spanish activism centered around the Cannabis Social Club model:
Our Esteemed Spanish Speakers:
Patty Amiguet: A cannabis activist born in Barcelona, Patty founded the Cannabis Association of Self-Consumption “Pachamama” in 2011. She currently serves as president of the Federation of Cannabis Associations of Catalonia (CatFAC) and spokesperson for ConFAC. Patty is also a member of RdRCannabis, a Catalan government program demonstrating how CSCs act as risk reduction agents. She is the founder and a member of RdRLab, developing innovative risk reduction programs, and a member of the Motor Group of REMA (State Network of Anti-Prohibition Women in Drug Matters).
Ana Afuera: A political scientist and dedicated activist with over a decade in drug policy. Ana coordinates Political and Social Advocacy at ConFAC (CSC Spanish Confederation) and is a valued member of the ENCOD (European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies) Inner Circle. She has significantly contributed to publications and seminars on drug regulation, user destigmatization, and cannabis social clubs. Ana collaborates with the EMCDDA in a roundtable on Cannabis and Harm Reduction.
Patty Amiguet, President of the ConFAC -Confederación de Federaciones de Asociaciones Cannábicas
Ana Afuera, political scientist and dedicated activist with over a decade in drug policy
A Day of Learning, Exchange, and Celebration
We are thrilled to expect a diverse and international audience comprising politicians, activists, and influential figures from the 420 movement in Germany and beyond.
After hearing the current CSC situation in Germany by Oliver Waack-Jürgensen, an expert on the subject and board member of the German CSC association, we will listen to Patty and Ana’s insights, take a break with some hemp snacks (Italian-made hemp pizza and hemp beer – yummy!!), and then open the discussion to the audience. This event focuses on knowledge transfer, learning from one another, and strengthening the bonds between two communities that share a passion and goal: easy access to safe, high-quality, and affordable cannabis for adults.
A Special Guest and Key Player in German Legalization
Burkhard Blienert, the German Federal Drug Commissioner (SPD)
With the recent confirmation of Burkhard Blienert, the German Federal Drug Commissioner, our event gains even greater relevance and public attention. Blienert, alongside Karl Lauterbach (SPD), has been instrumental in transforming the party’s stance on cannabis.
Blienert, a seasoned expert on cannabis policy, has significantly contributed to the paradigm shift towards legalization. His efforts, coupled with those of Lauterbach, have laid the groundwork for this monumental change.
What millions of Germans doubted until the very end has finally become a reality: cannabis legalization is set to begin on April 1, 2024.
Free Seats Available!
For this event, the only way of attending was by personal invitation due to their active involvement in the international Cannabis Movement. We have three free seats to give away for those who feel drawn to attend.
If this event speaks to you, email me at Luke@plant-purpose.org and briefly tell me your motivation. Join us on June 13th (Thursday) in Berlin for this unique and inspiring event!
Let’s exchange, learn, and shape the future of the Cannabis community together!
Capturing the Experience
More coming soon!!! See you on Thursday 🙂
