German cabinet approves groundbreaking legislation on cannabis legalization

author: FutureCar Staff    

Germany's cabinet has approved a controversial bill that aims to legalize recreational marijuana use and cultivation. If passed by parliament, this legislation would make Germany one of the most cannabis-friendly countries in Europe. Under the proposed law, adults would be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of marijuana, grow a maximum of three plants, or obtain cannabis through non-profit cannabis clubs.

The main goal of this legislation, according to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's center-left government, is to combat the black market, ensure the safety of consumers by regulating the quality of marijuana, and reduce drug-related crime. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, from Scholz's Social Democrats party, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the risks associated with cannabis use as part of this new approach. Lauterbach believes that by removing the taboo around marijuana use, the campaign to raise awareness will have a greater impact in curbing consumption.

Lauterbach stated, "With the current procedures, we could not seriously protect children and young people. The topic has been made a taboo. We have rising, problematic consumption, and we couldn't simply allow this to go on. So this is an important turning point in our drug policy." The health ministry reported that the number of young adults aged between 18 and 25 who consumed cannabis at least once nearly doubled in 2021 compared to the previous decade, reaching 25%.

However, there is fierce opposition to the legislation, particularly from conservative policymakers who argue that it will lead to increased marijuana use and create additional burdens for authorities. Armin Schuster, the conservative interior minister for the state of Saxony, expressed concerns about a loss of control due to the new law. In March, a UN narcotics watchdog warned that the legalization of recreational marijuana use by governments has resulted in higher consumption and health problems related to cannabis.

Despite criticism, Germany aims to learn from the mistakes of other countries. The original plans to allow widespread cannabis sales in licensed shops have been modified after consultations with Brussels. Instead, the government will launch a pilot project for a limited number of licensed shops in specific regions to assess the effects of a commercial supply chain for recreational cannabis over five years. Similar projects already exist or are planned in the Netherlands and Switzerland.

While many European countries have legalized cannabis for limited medicinal purposes, Germany would become the first major European country to legalize recreational use. The legislation also includes strict regulations for growing marijuana, such as requiring cannabis clubs to have burglar-proof doors and windows and fencing off greenhouses. Smoking weed at the clubs or near schools, nurseries, playgrounds, or sports grounds would be prohibited.

Germany's hemp association has criticized the rules as "unrealistic" and argues that the introduction of cannabis sales in shops is necessary to effectively combat the black market. The Free Democrats, the junior coalition partner, accused Lauterbach of pursuing a "prohibition policy" and creating unnecessary bureaucracy.

In conclusion, Germany's proposed legislation to legalize recreational marijuana use and cultivation represents a significant shift in drug policy. If passed, it could have far-reaching implications, including curbing the black market, protecting consumers, and reducing drug-related crime. However, the bill faces strong opposition and criticism from conservative policymakers and some cannabis advocacy groups.

FutureCar Staff