A tough bill to legalise marijuana use and cultivation for recreational purposes in Germany was recently approved by their cabinet. This effort serves the trend towards decreasing cannabis rules around the world. While parliamentary approval is pending, the bill’s provisions would allow adults to possess up to 25 grams of marijuana. They will also be able to grow up to three plants at home or obtain cannabis from licenced cannabis clubs.
German Cabinet Clears Path for Recreational Cannabis
The legislation aims to address several issues and is supported by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left administration. It seeks to reduce the burden on the legal system to combat the black market for cannabis. Consequently, it will also enhance consumer safety by reducing the likelihood of contaminated marijuana. If the plan is approved by the legislature, Germany will join the group of European nations with some of the laxest cannabis laws.
However, there is significant opposition, particularly from conservative policymakers. They are worried about potential increases in marijuana use and the burden it would place on law enforcement. Discussions about increased consumption and associated health issues have been sparked by international trends towards the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use. These worries were raised in March by a U.N. narcotics guardian.
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The Country Observes A Progressive Shift
To address these issues, Chancellor Scholz’s government revised its initial plans, which proposed widespread cannabis sales in licenced shops nationwide. Instead, they intend to initiate a pilot programme involving a limited number of licenced shops in specific regions. This will assess the effects of a commercial recreational cannabis supply chain on public health, minors’ protection, and the prevalence of the black market. Furthermore, the second phase will necessitate separate legislation.
Cannabis has already been decriminalised for medicinal use in some European nations, including Germany since 2017. In late 2021, Malta became the first country in Europe to legalise small-scale individual cannabis cultivation and possession. The legislation under consideration includes stringent regulations for cannabis cultivation. Cannabis clubs with up to 500 members will require burglar-proof doors and windows, along with fenced-off greenhouses.
However, the decision to allow such clubs will ultimately rest with the regional governments of Germany’s 16 states.
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