On Wednesday, the German federal government decided on the cornerstones for the legalization of cannabis. Cannabis and the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can no longer be legally classified as narcotics in Germany and “pleasure cannabis” and home cultivation are allowed to a limited extent. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) expressly did not want to sell the planned legalization as “a major breakthrough in drug policy”. In the past he was against legalization.
The SPD, Greens and FDP had agreed in their traffic light coalition contract to introduce “the controlled sale of cannabis to adults for recreational purposes in licensed shops”. The key points now presented by Health Minister Lauterbach are:
- Cannabis and the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) should no longer be legally classified as narcotics in the future. Acquiring and possessing up to 20 to 30 grams of “pleasure cannabis” for personal consumption should therefore be exempt from punishment, regardless of THC content.
- Private home cultivation should be allowed to a limited extent, each adult should be given the opportunity to grow up to three female flowering plants. These must be protected from access by children and young people.
- The sale must be made possible in “licensed specialist shops” – accessible only from 18 years – and possibly pharmacies. Advertising cannabis products is prohibited. The amount that can be sold per customer is limited. There will be no mail order business initially. Trading without a license remains punishable.
- In addition to the sales tax on sales, a separate “cannabis tax” is planned, which is based on the THC content. The goal is a final consumer price “close to the black market price”. “We want to regulate the market very strictly,” said Minister Lauterbach.
- The form in which cannabis is sold must also be clearly regulated: products for smoking and inhalation or to be taken in the form of capsules, sprays or drops must be approved for sale. Cookies, candies or the like with cannabis – so-called edibles – initially not.
- At the same time, training, prevention, counseling and treatment options for drug users should be expanded. At the same time, data must be collected on the social effects of cannabis release. After four years, the regulations are evaluated and adjusted if necessary.
In the course of a legislative procedure, many details can change in the main. First of all, the European Commission must check in Brussels whether the plans are compatible with international law. If the vote is positive, Lauterbach expects a bill in the first quarter of 2023.
Cannabis ban brought “no success”
According to Lauterbach, Germany has had “no significant success” with cannabis prohibition in recent years. On the contrary, consumption has increased. Problematic addictive behavior has also increased among adults. “The trend is going in the wrong direction,” said the minister. Lauterbach hopes that decriminalization will allow better protection of children and young people, as well as health protection.
The Bavarian state government reiterated its criticism of the project. “The federal government’s legalization plans are a dangerous signal not only for Germany, but for all of Europe,” said Bavarian Health Minister Klaus Holetschek (CSU) of the Augsburger Allgemeine. The consumption of cannabis carries “significant and sometimes irreversible health and social risks”. Holetschek also warned against “drug tourism to Germany”.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
