Germany: Cannabis will no longer be classified as a drug

The federal government today approved the main points of the legislation for the legalization of recreational cannabis in Germany, with the aim of “the best protection for children and young people”. “There will be no increase in consumption,” assured the Minister of Health, Karl Lauterbach, presenting the decision of today’s council.

According to the decision, cannabis with the active substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) it will no longer be labeled a legal drugwhile the spouse will be considered purchase and possession of up to 20 or 30 grams “recreational cannabis” by adults, as well as the private cultivation of up to three cannabis plants, which minors will not have access to. THE sale for people over 18 years of age it will be done only by “specialized shops” and possibly also by pharmacies. THE advertising hemp products will be prohibited and home delivery will not be available. The trade without a special permit it will remain a criminal offence, Mr Lauterbach explained, and clarified that the “cannabis tax” would be based on THC content, aiming for “a price close to that of the black market”. Data will be evaluated every four years and necessary adjustments will be made.

However, the Minister of Health admitted that there are still many open issues, such as the relevant restrictions of the European Union, which are not certain to be overcome. “I think we are well prepared and I don’t expect a stalemate, as has happened in the past with the toll proposal. The German plan could, in my opinion, be a model for Europe” said Mr Lauterbach and described the transition as possible for 2024.

However, he himself, as a doctor, was placed earlier against the decriminalization of cannabis and today he repeatedly stressed that the planned legislation would not be “a turning point for drug policy”. “However, with the current ban on cannabis, Germany has not had tangible success – on the contrary, consumption has increased, as has problematic addictive behavior among adults. The trend is going in the wrong direction,” said the health minister, stressing that the cannabis market will be regulated extremely strictly. “We learned from the bad experience of the Netherlandshe characteristically said.

The first reactions they came today already from pharmacists. “The Drug Committee of the German Pharmacists has spoken clearly against the legalization of recreational cannabis and has warned about the health risks of consuming cannabis,” said Thomas Price, head of the North Rhine Pharmacists’ Association. In addition, Bavarian Health Minister Klaus Holecheck warned, as reported by APE-MPE, of the risk of legalization in Germany “attracting cannabis lovers from other European countries”. Today’s decision is included in the programmatic agreement of the governing coalition parties between the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Greens and Liberals (FDP).