Germany Adjusts Cannabis Legalization Plans Amid EU Concerns
Germany revises cannabis legalization plans after European Commission advises a slower approach, aligning with international treaties
Key Points
- 1Germany scales back cannabis market plans after EU discussions
- 2European Commission advises slower cannabis reform pace
- 3Germany to establish Cannabis Clubs and conduct trials
- 4Czech Republic plans regulated recreational cannabis market
- 5Luxembourg progresses towards adult-use cannabis legalization
Germany has recently scaled back its ambitions for a full-fledged national cannabis market for adult use. This decision follows discussions with the European Commission, which has been cautious about rapid cannabis liberalization. The meetings, held on January 18 and November 14, involved Germany's Health Minister Thomas Steffen and Monique Pariat, Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs at the European Commission
Details of these meetings remain sparse, but sources indicate that the European Commission advised Germany to slow its cannabis reform efforts. An anonymous European cannabis expert mentioned that the consensus was that Germany's pace was too fast for the broader European context. The Commission is still determining how to handle the growing momentum for cannabis reform across Europe
The European Commission has expressed interest in understanding the impacts of cannabis policy changes on health, crime, and social aspects. Although the Commission has not disclosed specific legal discussions, it is monitoring developments closely. The Commission has also highlighted that while personal drug use is a national matter, trafficking remains under EU jurisdiction, requiring member states to implement punitive measures
Germany's revised approach includes establishing Cannabis Clubs that can cultivate their own plants and conducting scientific trials to gather evidence for regulators. This strategy aligns with international drug treaties and is similar to Switzerland's approach, which is conducting cannabis trials despite not being an EU member. The European Commission appears comfortable with this cautious approach, which respects international obligations
Looking ahead, the Czech Republic plans to introduce a fully regulated recreational cannabis market, with proposals expected within the next six months. This move could test the European Commission's stance further. As Europe navigates cannabis reform, countries like Luxembourg are also taking steps towards legalization, indicating a shift towards regulated cannabis markets across the continent