Raid in Mönchengladbach: Huge cannabis plantation discovered!

Raid in Mönchengladbach: Huge cannabis plantation discovered!

In Mönchengladbach, the police discovered a sizeable indoor cannabis plantation on October 8, 2025. This came after an alert witness raised concerns and reported suspicions of an illegal cultivation operation. The Mönchengladbach police forces then made an extensive discovery in an apartment building on Brucknerallee, where the plantation extended over several floors. A total of around 900 cannabis plants in various growth phases were seized, as well as numerous cultivation equipment such as heaters and timers. The dismantling of the plantation is carried out by a contracted company under police supervision. The operator is now facing criminal proceedings for growing cannabis plants outside the permitted amount for personal consumption, while investigations into possible other suspects continue.

But what does the new cannabis law say about such cases? The Cannabis Act (CanG) has been in force in Germany since April 1, 2024. It allows adults to grow up to three cannabis plants privately and possess up to 50 grams of cannabis at home. Up to 25 grams are permitted for personal consumption in public. However, commercial cultivation or sale remains illegal in most cases, and distribution to minors and advertising of cannabis are still strictly prohibited. Although legalization is a relief for many, there are still strict rules that can be broken.

The controversies surrounding the cannabis law

The debate surrounding the cannabis law was not without controversy. The introduction was based on the idea that previous banning measures had failed. The statistics show that out of 593 applications for grower associations, only 133 had been approved as of early March 2025, highlighting the strict requirements. A two-pillar model was developed to legalize cultivation for personal consumption and to promote scientific work in the area of ​​consumer cannabis. The federal government is also planning regional model tests for commercial distribution in cities such as Frankfurt and Berlin, although these proposals are still awaiting approval.

Public opinion is also interesting: A Forsa survey showed that 55% of respondents are against reversing the failed cannabis law. This makes it clear that despite the existing concerns about the regulation of cannabis production, a majority of the population supports the current legal situation.

The recent discovery in Mönchengladbach reinforces the need for proper controls and awareness of the applicable laws. While legal cultivation for personal use is possible under certain conditions, monitoring illegal practices remains of great importance. The coming months could be decisive for how German cannabis policy develops and whether the existing laws may need to be adjusted again.

Overall, the case in Mönchengladbach shows that although legal regulations can have a protective effect, crime-prone areas still remain. It remains to be seen how the investigation will continue and what lessons will be learned from such incidents.

For more details on this incident and the legal framework, visit the coverage of Picture, as well as the information of the Press portal and comprehensive background knowledge of the legal situation bpb.de.