Germany publishes draft law to legalize cannabis

Germany is getting closer and closer to a new era of cannabis legalization.

Last week, the country’s health ministry introduced a bill detailing new regulations for personal use and cultivation of marijuana.

It’s been a long time coming for Europe’s largest economy, as German politicians pushed ahead with a reform of the country’s cannabis laws over the last year.

The release of the bill, the health ministry said, is part of a “two-pronged model” to “legalize the private cultivation of cannabis by adults for personal use, as well as the collaborative, non-commercial cultivation of cannabis in growers’ associations.”

According to Forbes, the bill “allows adults 18 years and older to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use and to grow a maximum of three plants.”

“However, the consumption of cannabis in the ‘immediate environment’ of persons under the age of 18, within a radius of 200 meters from schools, children’s and youth facilities, playgrounds, publicly accessible sports facilities and pedestrian zones between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. is still prohibited . It’s important to note that fines and criminal charges continue to be imposed for certain unlawful activities,” Forbes reported.

Additionally, the outlet noted that “proposed legislation would allow a club to admit up to 500 members,” with each “member affiliated with the club entitled to either 25 grams per day or 50 grams per month for personal use.” has.”

In April, following meetings between German leaders and European Union officials, the country signaled that its cannabis reform would be significantly scaled back from original targets.

The Associated Press reported at the time that the “German government revised the plan following talks with the European Union Executive Committee.”

German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir said at the time that EU law “sets us limits that we must respect, but I also say that we push them forward,” the Associated Press quoted as saying at the time.

“Lauterbach had been pointing out all along that the government would only implement its original plan if it got the green light from the EU,” the AP said. “Germany has allowed some patients to receive cannabis as a prescription drug since 2017.”

In a primer on its website, the Federal Ministry of Health explained how the draft law will continue to be implemented.

“It is planned to pass the draft law in the federal cabinet during the summer break. The bill will then be introduced into the parliamentary legislative process and will be discussed in the German Bundestag and Bundesrat in the autumn. The final decision on the law rests with the German Bundestag,” the government agency said. “The law does not require the approval of the Bundesrat. It is scheduled to come into force at the end of 2023. Once the bill goes into effect, adults will be able to legally smoke a joint in Germany under the bill. Until then, cannabis will remain prohibited.”

The ministry also explained why the federal government decided to reform its cannabis laws.

“In the view of the federal government, the current drug policy on cannabis use is reaching its limits. Despite the ban on purchase and possession, cannabis is widespread and use has increased in recent years,” the agency said. “Consumption of cannabis obtained on the black market is often associated with an increased health risk because the THC content is unknown and may contain toxic admixtures, impurities and synthetic cannabinoids, the potency of which cannot be estimated by the consumer.” Goal of the law is to contribute to improved health protection, to strengthen education and prevention about cannabis, to curb organized drug crime and to strengthen child and youth protection. To protect consumers, the quality of consumer cannabis should be controlled and the transmission of contaminated substances should be prevented. Incentives to expand cannabis use should not be created.”