New version of German cannabis legalization bill may come out next week

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said in a recent interview with the Rheinische Post on Aug. 9 that the federal cabinet would soon approve the proposed legalization plan for cannabis.

“I expect the cannabis permit to arrive in the cabinet next week. There will be small changes…” Lauterbach said.

When inquiring about the changes, the interviewer said it was up to the Cabinet to make changes. “But I can already say this much: Parallel to the legislation, we will carry out a major campaign to draw attention to the risks of cannabis consumption,” Lauterbach continued. “Cannabis is particularly harmful to the still-growing brain. The brain is still being remodeled up to the age of 25. Anyone who consumes in this age phase is particularly harmful. My goal is to reduce cannabis use among young people and make it safer for those who want to use it.”

The first public draft was unveiled last month on July 5, which Lauterbach described at the time as a “two-pronged model” that would “legalize the private cultivation of cannabis by adults for personal use, as well as the collaborative, non-commercial cultivation of cannabis.” in growers associations.”

This draft stipulated that adults 18 years and older could possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and grow up to three plants at home. Social clubs would also be set up as places to buy cannabis, and there would be restrictions on the location of schools. The number of clubs per city depends on the population, with one club for every 6,000 people. Social club permits would be valid for up to seven years, and permit holders would be eligible to renew their permit after the fifth year.

Lauterbach mentioned an upcoming government awareness campaign to “raise awareness of the risks” of cannabis. Some states in the US have also successfully launched cannabis awareness campaigns.

Back in 2019, an educational initiative in the form of a game show called “Weeded Out” was presented in Denver, Colorado. In the jeopardy-style show, teenage contestants were asked to answer questions about cannabis and the advancement of education.

Last April, New York launched a massive awareness campaign that included TV ads, radio ads, public transit ads, social media and billboards. It included reporting on the law and the safe storage of cannabis products, among other things. “With the Cannabis Conversations campaign, we are delivering on our commitment to providing New Yorkers with the information they need to safely navigate the new cannabis laws,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. “Education is the best way to keep New Yorkers healthy as we continue to grow this safe, inclusive and just industry.”

In September 2022, Connecticut launched an awareness campaign to “give people the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions to protect their families,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. It included information on how to store cannabis safely, how to dispose of cannabis waste and what to do if a child or pet accidentally uses cannabis products, all in different media such as videos, brochures, flyers and social media graphics.

In October 2022, a grant program in Pennsylvania provided a total of $200,000 to organizations promoting hemp education and awareness. “These grants will feed a new industry that was once a mainstay of Pennsylvania’s economy, once again providing opportunities for farm income and jobs, as well as new opportunities for climate-friendly, green products,” said Russell Redding, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Most recently, supporters of Oklahoma drew attention to a special election on the state issue 820 in February with an educational video. However, voters still rejected the measure: 62% opposed and 38% in favour.