Germany approves plan to relax cannabis regulations

author: FutureCar Staff    

Germany's Cabinet has approved a plan to liberalize rules on cannabis, paving the way for the decriminalization of possession of limited amounts and the establishment of "cannabis clubs" for recreational use. This move is seen as a significant step forward for Chancellor Olaf Scholz's socially liberal coalition, although it falls short of their original ambitions. The legislation still needs approval from parliament before it can take effect at the end of this year.

The bill proposes legalizing possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis for recreational purposes and allowing individuals to grow up to three plants for personal use. German residents who are 18 and older would be eligible to join nonprofit cannabis clubs with a maximum of 500 members each. These clubs would be permitted to cultivate cannabis for their members.

Under the proposed rules, individuals would be able to purchase up to 25 grams of cannabis per day or a maximum of 50 grams per month. However, those under the age of 21 would be limited to 30 grams per month. Membership in multiple clubs would not be allowed, and the costs of running the clubs would be covered by membership fees, which would vary based on the amount of cannabis consumed by members.

The government plans to ban the advertising and sponsorship of cannabis and cannabis clubs, and consumption will be prohibited within 200 meters of schools, playgrounds, sports facilities, and cannabis club premises. The aim of these regulations is to protect consumers from contaminated products and reduce drug-related crime. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach believes that the system will lead to competitive prices and help combat the black market.

However, there are criticisms of the proposed legislation. The center-right opposition argues that legalizing cannabis could pose risks and increase the burden on the judicial system. Some advocates of legalization also express dissatisfaction, claiming that the regulations are too strict and hinder the operation of cannabis clubs. Despite these objections, Lauterbach defends the government's approach, stating that a more liberalized system could lead to increased consumption and crime.

In addition to the legislation, the government plans to launch a campaign to raise awareness among young people about the risks of cannabis consumption. The next step after the new legislation is implemented will be a five-year test of regulated commercial supply chains in select regions, which will be scientifically evaluated.

Other European countries have different approaches to cannabis regulation. The Netherlands combines decriminalization with limited market regulation, allowing the sale and consumption of small amounts in coffeeshops while prohibiting large-scale production and sales. Switzerland has allowed a pilot project in Basel where a few hundred people can purchase cannabis from pharmacies for recreational use. The Czech Republic and Denmark have been exploring similar plans to Germany, while France has no current plans to relax its strict cannabis rules.

Contributors to this report include Pietro De Cristofaro in Berlin, Mike Corder in The Hague, Karel Janicek in Prague, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, and Sylvie Corbet in Paris.

FutureCar Staff