German Government Approves Bill on Recreational Marijuana Legalization

The German cabinet has greenlit a contentious bill aimed at legalizing the recreational use and cultivation of marijuana. This proposed law, considered one of the most liberal cannabis legislations in Europe, could potentially serve as a catalyst for a similar global trend. 

Euractiv reports on this development.

The bill will allow adults to possess up to 25 grams of the substance, grow a maximum of three plants, or purchase cannabis from cannabis clubs. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's center-left government anticipates that this legislation will help curb the black market, safeguard consumers against contaminated marijuana, and reduce drug-related criminal activity.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach emphasized that a key aspect of the plan, which dismantles taboos surrounding cannabis use, is a campaign to raise awareness about associated risks, ultimately intended to curtail consumption. "With the current procedures, we cannot effectively protect children and youth since this topic has remained a taboo," stated Dr. Lauterbach at a press conference in Berlin while introducing the bill. "We are seeing problematic consumption rates increase, and we cannot simply allow this to continue," he added. "Therefore, this is a pivotal moment in our drug policy."

However, opposition to the bill is fervent, especially among conservative politicians who warn that it could encourage marijuana consumption and create more work for authorities. "This law will be associated with a complete loss of control," commented Armin Schuster, the conservative Minister of Interior in Saxony.

Even lawmakers from Scholz's Social Democrats have expressed skepticism. Hamburg's Interior Minister Andy Grote told NDR television that the experience of other countries indicates that consumption tends to rise with legalization.

In March, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime cautioned that governments' steps toward legalizing recreational marijuana use have led to increased consumption and health-related issues linked to cannabis.

However, Dr. Lauterbach maintains that Germany has learned from other countries' mistakes.

Scholz's government has already adjusted its initial plans for widespread cannabis sales in licensed shops following consultations with Brussels. Instead, a pilot project for a limited number of licensed stores in certain regions is being considered to assess the impact of the commercial supply chain of recreational cannabis over five years. A separate piece of legislation will be required for this initiative in the next stage.

As reported by The Gaze, proponents of cannabis consumption legalization held a significant event, the Cannabis Parade, in Berlin as part of the traditional cannabis rally. Police estimated that after the rally, around 500 to 600 participants joined the city-wide procession.

The organizers of the march have advocated for the legalization of substances like marijuana and hashish derived from hemp for many years. They also support facilitating access to medical cannabis and promoting hemp consumption.