Germany: The controlled legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes is also being prepared by the government

Legal hurdles have slowed German plans to allow controlled distribution cannabis among adults. Now, the controlled legalization of the use of cannabis for recreational purposes is being planned by the Ministry of Health, according to a relevant document by Minister Karl Lauterbach, which is cited by the RND Network. THE legalization of cannabis for non-medical use is also included in the programmatic agreement of the government partners.

According to the publication, the decriminalization of purchase and possession is planned up to 20 grams cannabis from the age of 18 yearsn, while the cultivation of up to two cannabis plants will be allowed for personal use. In legalized cannabis, the amount of the intoxicating substance THC should not exceed 15%, “in order to avoid cannabis-related brain damage”, the document points out. However, only 18-21 year olds will be allowed to sell products with a content of up to 10%. The Ministry of Health also plans to organize even compulsory courses prevention for adolescents under 18 years of age.

A special arrangement will be made for the points of sale of hemp products. Minimum distances from schools and facilities will be set for children and teenagerswhile considering the possibility of the sale taking place as well from pharmacies, with the aim of avoiding profiteering in remote areas. The trade of cannabis without a special license remains illegal, as does the advertising of cannabis products. Taxation will likely be at the highest possible rate and demand will have to be met solely by domestic production, as imports are prohibited. The relevant legislation is expected to be ready for vote by the end of the year, although most states already do not prosecute for possession of a small amount, but cannabis is confiscated. The medical use of cannabis was introduced in Germany in 2017.