Devendra Kumar
Germany’s government has taken a significant step towards decriminalizing cannabis, approving a plan to liberalize rules on the substance. The move aims to “fight the black market” and better protect young people, according to Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. The plan allows adults to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for recreational purposes and to grow up to three plants on their own. Additionally, individuals will be able to join non-profit cannabis clubs with a maximum of 500 members each, starting in July, to grow cannabis for personal consumption.
The government has also planned to ban advertising and sponsoring of cannabis, and consumption will not be allowed in the immediate vicinity of schools, playgrounds, and sports facilities. An evaluation of the legislation’s effect on child and youth protection will be conducted within 18 months. The opposition has vehemently opposed the change, arguing that it will increase drug consumption among children and young people.
Lauterbach has countered that the move is necessary to address Germany’s black market and contaminated cannabis problems. The plan falls short of the government’s original ambitions, which included allowing the sale of cannabis to adults at licensed outlets. The project was scaled back following talks with the European Union’s executive commission.
The legislation is one of several promised by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s socially liberal governing coalition when it took office in 2021. However, the coalition has since become highly unpopular due to economic weakness and infighting. Despite opposition from some quarters, the move is seen as a significant step towards greater cannabis liberalization in Germany.
Lauterbach emphasized that the aim is to better protect young people and reduce the black market, rather than increase drug consumption. He believes that the move will help to curb the growth of the black market and prevent the sale of contaminated cannabis to consumers. The minister also emphasized that the government will closely monitor the effects of the legislation and make adjustments as needed.
The success of the plan remains to be seen. Only time will tell if it will be successful in achieving its goals of reducing the black market and better protecting young people. Despite the challenges ahead, Germany’s government is confident that the move is a step in the right direction for the country’s cannabis policy.