Germany to Present Revised Cannabis Legalization Bill by Mid-August

Germany is moving forward with its cannabis legalization efforts, with a revised bill expected to be presented to the government by mid-August. This development comes as the country seeks to navigate the complexities of aligning national policies with European Union regulations. The revised proposal is currently being coordinated among various ministries, as confirmed by Katja Mast, parliamentary secretary of the SPD group in the Bundestag

The initial plan proposed by the coalition government aimed for full legalization, including regulated sales through specialized shops. However, due to EU concerns about compatibility with its regulations, Germany has had to scale back its ambitions. The current proposal, presented in April by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, suggests a phased approach to legalization, starting with the removal of cannabis from the Narcotics Act and allowing possession of up to 25 grams

Under the proposed plan, individuals would be permitted to cultivate three to four cannabis plants for personal use. Additionally, Cannabis Social Clubs would be established to facilitate access to cannabis for members. A second phase would involve testing commercial cultivation and sales in licensed outlets or pharmacies in pilot regions, under scientific monitoring, to ensure compliance with international conventions

The proposal has sparked debate within the government, particularly regarding the sale of cannabis edibles. While Lauterbach advocates for banning edibles, members of the FDP and the Green Party argue that these products are less harmful than smoking. A second legislative proposal will be required for the pilot regions, which will also need to be reviewed by the EU

Looking ahead, Katja Mast emphasized the importance of this legislation in shifting Germany's drug policy paradigm. She noted that the legalization effort is not only a matter of justice but also crucial for protecting children and public health. The government aims to have the pilot project legislation ready by autumn, signaling a significant transformation in Germany's approach to cannabis regulation