Germany's cabinet voted through plans Wednesday to legalize possession of cannabis as well as community cultivation clubs to serve local communities, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach announced.
Presenting his plans to reporters in Berlin, Lauterbach said the law should be passed by the Bundestag after the summer recess and come into force as early as the beginning of 2024. He said he does not expect any major changes from parliament.
The proposal would allow people over 18 to grow up to three cannabis plants for personal consumption and to possess up to 25 grams.
In addition, they would be able to grow cannabis communally and non-commercially in cultivation associations, known as "cannabis clubs," and sell it to their members. These groups may have up to 500 members and may not distribute more than 25 grams per day and up to a maximum of 50 grams per month to each member.
Stricter rules apply to young adults aged 18 to 21 years. They are only allowed to receive up go 30 grams per month with a maximum content of THC — the psychoactive substance in cannabis — of 10 percent via these associations.
Lauterbach said the aim is to reduce the black market and drug-related crime, curb dealing in modified or toxic substances, and curtail the numbers of users.
Lauterbach called the draft “the best attempt at legalization of cannabis so far," referring to liberalizations in the Netherlands, some American states and Canada.
In parallel with the legislative process, the Ministry of Health will launch an educational campaign. "Cannabis use will be legalized. It still remains dangerous," he said. "Because I am allowed to buy 50 grams maximum per month does not mean that I should consume 50 grams."
The ministry is still preparing a second law to allow for commercial supplies in some regional test areas for five years with ongoing evaluation. However, this is likely to depend on the approval of the EU Commission, since such far-reaching legalization has to be in line with EU law.
Presenting his plans to reporters in Berlin, Lauterbach said the law should be passed by the Bundestag after the summer recess and come into force as early as the beginning of 2024. He said he does not expect any major changes from parliament.
The proposal would allow people over 18 to grow up to three cannabis plants for personal consumption and to possess up to 25 grams.
In addition, they would be able to grow cannabis communally and non-commercially in cultivation associations, known as "cannabis clubs," and sell it to their members. These groups may have up to 500 members and may not distribute more than 25 grams per day and up to a maximum of 50 grams per month to each member.
Stricter rules apply to young adults aged 18 to 21 years. They are only allowed to receive up go 30 grams per month with a maximum content of THC — the psychoactive substance in cannabis — of 10 percent via these associations.
Lauterbach said the aim is to reduce the black market and drug-related crime, curb dealing in modified or toxic substances, and curtail the numbers of users.
Lauterbach called the draft “the best attempt at legalization of cannabis so far," referring to liberalizations in the Netherlands, some American states and Canada.
In parallel with the legislative process, the Ministry of Health will launch an educational campaign. "Cannabis use will be legalized. It still remains dangerous," he said. "Because I am allowed to buy 50 grams maximum per month does not mean that I should consume 50 grams."
The ministry is still preparing a second law to allow for commercial supplies in some regional test areas for five years with ongoing evaluation. However, this is likely to depend on the approval of the EU Commission, since such far-reaching legalization has to be in line with EU law.
