A Step Toward Greater Legal Certainty for Hemp in Germany
Germany’s hemp and cannabis policy continues to evolve, with lawmakers introducing a new proposal aimed at strengthening the country’s industrial hemp sector. The draft amendment to the Consumer Cannabis Act (KCanG), presented by the Green Party in October 2025, seeks to remove outdated barriers and improve competitiveness within Europe’s hemp market.
SYNBIOTIC SE, one of Europe’s leading cannabis and industrial hemp corporate groups, publicly welcomed the proposal. In a statement, the company described the measure as “an important step toward greater legal certainty, innovation, and competitiveness for the German hemp industry.”
What the New Industrial Hemp Proposal Includes
The measure introduced by the Greens’ parliamentary group would:
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Delete the “intoxication clause” from current legislation.
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Raise the THC threshold for industrial hemp from 0.3% to 1%, aligning Germany with countries like the Czech Republic.
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Legalize indoor hemp cultivation, expanding opportunities for sustainable production and innovation.
According to the Bundestag, the reform aims to promote “the cultivation of industrial hemp and the use of plant parts in products such as textiles, food, or cosmetics,” while ensuring legal clarity in how hemp is handled and traded.
Boosting Competitiveness and Sustainability
The German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) emphasized that industrial hemp poses virtually no risk of misuse for recreational purposes, especially now that adult-use cannabis has been legalized under separate legislation.
The proposed changes could also create fiscal benefits, as industrial hemp may be taxed similarly to tobacco substitutes in the future — potentially generating €2.5 million in annual revenue.
SYNBIOTIC’s Perspective on the Reform
SYNBIOTIC SE, which operates across Europe through subsidiaries such as Hempro International, Hemp Factory, and Ilesol, praised the measure as a major opportunity to strengthen the nation’s bioeconomy.
“For decades, we have been committed to a fact-based and innovation-friendly hemp policy,” said Daniel Kruse, Managing Director of SYNBIOTIC and President of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA). “The Greens’ initiative is a signal of progress and strengthens confidence in the future of industrial hemp.”
Kruse also urged the Federal Minister of Agriculture, Alois Rainer, to recognize hemp’s potential as a sustainable raw material for agriculture, industry, and trade.
Europe’s Hemp Industry Poised for Growth
If adopted, the proposal would represent one of the most progressive hemp reforms in Europe, reinforcing Germany’s position as a regional leader in sustainable agricultural innovation.
For comparison, France’s potential cannabis market has already been valued at $8.3 billion, illustrating the vast economic and industrial potential awaiting European countries that embrace modernization. You can read more about that in our article on France’s emerging cannabis market.
