Five Mistakes in Site Selection

1. Site Selection: The first major hurdle for Cannabis Clubs.

Starting a Cannabis Social Club in Germany depends entirely on finding the right location. If you make mistakes here, you risk months of delays, permit rejections, or high additional costs.

Here are the five most common site selection mistakes – and how to avoid them.

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2. Distance

Regulations Not Checked Properly

Many cities and municipalities require minimum distances to schools, daycares, playgrounds, youth centers, or sports facilities – typically 100 to 200 meters as the crow flies.

The problem: Distances are often measured by walking path, while the authority requires straight-line measurements. This means seemingly suitable locations can be disqualified.

Before choosing a site, you should obtain a distance survey report, ideally from a professional office that documents straight-line measurements with maps. These reports are often crucial for permit approval.

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3. Overlooking Zoning and Land Use Regulations

Not every plot of land is allowed to be used for cannabis cultivation. In many areas, residential or mixed-use zones are excluded. In addition, there are often requirements for access control and fencing of cultivation areas.

Before signing any contract, check whether the site is located in a commercial or industrial zone, and whether legal use for cultivation is permitted. Contacting the local building authority can also help clarify the situation.

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4. Problems with Neighbors and Residents

Even if the land is legally suitable, complaints from neighbors about odor, traffic, or the club’s “image” can cause issues – such as delays in approvals or legal disputes.

Start open communication with neighbors early on, and aim for transparency. A preventive odor control plan (e.g., air filtration) and discreet design of the site can build trust and avoid opposition.

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5. Lack of Consultation with Authorities

Many clubs choose their location without consulting the responsible authority beforehand. Often, problems arise during the permit process – for example, if distances are measured differently or land use is interpreted another way.

Before committing to a site, you should hold informal talks with the relevant authority. A brief site description, a location map, and a sketch can help provide clarity early on.

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6. Underestimating Space Requierments

Many clubs plan generously – with separate rooms for cultivation, storage, packaging, and administration – but this can quickly lead to oversized spaces and high costs.

Think ahead about how to use space efficiently. Compact, well-structured modules and multifunctional areas help save both space and money.

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Final Tip

If you want to start small or need to use limited space efficiently, our compact, modular cultivation solutions are ideal:

• They allow for efficient operations on minimal space

• meet all requirements for security and functionality

• and offer high flexibility as your club grows

Additionally, with Rent4Grow, you’ll receive individual legal consulting to help you assess potential sites legally and identify risks early.

So you can focus on your club – not on bureaucratic roadblocks.