Jürgen Neumeyer, a prominent advocate for cannabis decriminalization in Germany and a key figure in the country’s emerging cannabis industry, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. He was 56.
Neumeyer’s death was announced by the Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW), which he had served as managing director since 2019.
Neumeyer was a central force in Germany’s cannabis reform movement, dedicating more than three decades to the cause of legalizing cannabis for medicinal, recreational and industrial use. He celebrated his greatest professional achievement April 1 of this year, when Germany officially passed a law decriminalizing cannabis – a milestone that bore the unmistakable imprint of his efforts.
“For years, Jürgen was the voice of cannabis reform in Germany, pushing for change when it was politically unfashionable,” BvCW said in a press release. “Without his persistence, the law we have today would look very different.”
Politically active
Born in 1968, Neumeyer began his career in drug policy in the 1990s with Jusos (Jungsozialistinnen und Jungsozialisten in der SPD), the youth wing of the Social Democratic Party of Germany. He later worked as an aide to several members of the German Bundestag, emerging as a publicist, political strategist, and networker.
After the turn of the century, Neumeyer became the founding managing director of the influential “Netzwerk Berlin,” a group established by reform-oriented members of the SPD who sought to modernize the party and push for progressive policies. It was in that capacity that his advocacy for cannabis legalization took on a formal, organized platform.
Neumeyer was active in Berlin’s political scene, managing the magazine “Berliner Republik” and co-founding the think tank “Das Progressive Zentrum e.V.” as well as the non-partisan political association “Wahlkreis e.V.” His work in the political pub scene in Berlin’s government district inspired policy discussions that often found their way into official corridors.
Ties to hemp association
For a period during the 2010s, Neumeyer led the political communications team at Deutscher Hanfverband (the German Hemp Association – DHV) where he sharpened his focus on cannabis reform.
“Jürgen was a great supporter of the hemp industry in Germany and Europe. We are eternally grateful to him for it,” said European Industrial Hemp Association President Daniel Kruse.
Recognizing the need for a unified industry voice to speak for marijuana and industrial hemp, Neumeyer helped found the Cannabis Industry Association in 2019. Under his leadership, the BvCW grew to represent more than 100 members, published more than 40 expert reports, and organized key industry events, all of which helped shape the legislation that ultimately removed cannabis from the country’s Narcotics Act.
Pioneering figure
Colleagues described Neumeyer as a visionary who never stopped planning for the future. He had recently begun work on a cannabis industry directory, a specialist publishing house, and a “House of the Cannabis Industry” in Berlin. His long-term goals also included nationwide cannabis roadshows and hemp building projects.
Neumeyer was known for his wit, warmth, and wide-ranging interests. He was passionate about winemaking and beer brewing, hobbies he approached with the same dedication he gave to his professional work. He was also a music lover and an enthusiastic DJ, often bringing his unique sense of humor and lightheartedness to both professional and private gatherings.
“He will be remembered as a pioneering figure in Germany’s cannabis reform, whose work laid the foundation for the industry’s future,” BvCW said in its statement. “We will continue Jürgen’s work in his spirit and remain forever grateful for his leadership and friendship.”