The federal drug commissioner, Hendrik Streeck (CDU), has criticized the sale of cannabis seeds in more than 250 discount supermarkets.
Streeck told RTL, ntv and “Der Stern”: “With the new Cannabis Act it is legally possible to sell cannabis seeds in discount stores alongside everyday household items. It is not, however, a good idea”. He added that the availability of the seeds gives the impression that growing cannabis at home is normal, which could lead children and teenagers to use it because the seeds are simply sitting at home, with no oversight of consumption, cultivation or harvesting.
He also pointed out a legal gray area: “There is no limitation on the sale of cannabis seeds. A limit does exist for cultivation, however. One may grow no more than three plants, and growers must be aware that they cannot exceed that number”. Streeck stresses that discount stores are not responsible for the cultivation.