Germany On Verge Of Major Cannabis Policy Shift, Will Deliberate Adult-Use Legalization Oct. 18

The German federal parliament, the Bundestag, is set to deliberate on a bill proposed by the federal government on controlled cannabis usage and related provisions on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. This move suggests significant shifts in the country's stance towards the substance, which is currently illegal for recreational uses.

The proposed legislation, backed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, seeks to legalize the possession and consumption of cannabis for adults under specific conditions. It includes provisions for private cultivation, non-commercial community farming and the controlled distribution of cannabis by cultivation associations. The bill emphasizes facilitating a responsible approach to cannabis use. The bill, first introduced in April, was conceived as a “scaled-back” version of the original project, following talks with the E.U., which suggested a more gradual approach to the matter.

What Changed?

According to the Bundestag, a major driver behind the proposal relates to the increasing use of cannabis despite the current prohibition. Cannabis sourced from the illicit market often poses heightened health risks, as its Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content remains uncertain and may contain toxic additives and contaminants, the parliament's official website said.

Under the new guidelines, adults would be permitted to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use and cultivate up to three cannabis plants for self-consumption. The law also stipulates that cannabis must be kept away from children and adolescents.

Strict regulations would apply to cultivation associations, which would be allowed to grow cannabis and distribute a maximum of 25 grams per day or 50 grams per month to their members. Each association would be restricted to 500 members - with a residency in Germany. Membership in multiple associations would be prohibited.

Strict Rules To Protect Minors

For young adults aged 18 to 21, the allowed limit would be lower: 30 grams monthly, with a THC content capped at 10%.

Furthermore, to safeguard children and young adults, there would be a general prohibition on advertising. An awareness campaign, led by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), is planned to educate the public about cannabis's effects and risks.

The amendment's societal impact would be reviewed after four years.

Not Everyone Is On Board

Despite the federal government's progressive approach, certain factions remain skeptical. The CDU/CSU faction demands the termination of the planned cannabis legalization and seeks more public awareness about the substance's risks. Their arguments stress the detrimental effects of cannabis, especially on young individuals under 25, whose brain development is ongoing. They believe that cannabis negatively impacts memory, learning and problem-solving, and even induces depression and other mental health issues. Many of these positions have been debunked by science.

The Bundesrat has expressed concerns over the implementation feasibility of the proposed regulations, pointing to potential issues with youth protection zones and protective measures in private spaces. The federal government, however, remains optimistic about the positive implications of decriminalization, including significant savings due to reduced prosecutions.

As the debate continues, the potential legalization of cannabis in Germany remains a topic of significant interest, not only for the country's nearly 84 million citizens but also for global onlookers interested in drug policy evolution.

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