« The purchase and possession of “a maximum amount of 20 to 30 grams” will be allowed for personal consumption. »
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach
The German government agreed on Wednesday 26 October on a framework for the legalization of recreational cannabis, which would make Germany one of the most liberal countries in Europe. To come into effect, it must be approved by the European Commission, reports the Swiss Radio Television (RTS).
Under the new legal framework, which could come into effect as early as 2024, the production and trade of cannabis would be placed under “public control” for the entire supply chain. The purchase and possession of “a maximum quantity of 20 to 30 grams” will be allowed for personal consumption, said Health Minister Karl Lauterbach.
The text also authorizes the cultivation of three cannabis plants per adult for personal use. The sale would be “strictly controlled”, advertising would be prohibited and packaging would be largely regulated. Use by those under 18 would continue to be strictly prohibited.*
“We do not want to make the same mistakes as with alcohol or tobacco, because young people and children are those who react most to the promises of the advertising industry,” said the government commissioner for drugs and addiction.
Backing from Europe*
“We are in a phase where we are examining whether the outlines we have drawn up in this document are compatible with international and European law,” stressed the social-democrat minister.
If this is not the case, the document will not become law, he said, but he was relatively confident.
Ineffective repression
This reform comes in a context of increasing cannabis consumption in Germany. In 2021, the number of consumers or consumers is estimated at about four million people, a quarter of which were aged 18 to 24 years.*
The German government takes note, moreover, of the inefficiency of the current policy. A purely repressive policy that has “failed”, conceded the Minister of Justice.
“That’s why we want to legalize the use of cannabis in a responsible way. This means better quality products and health protection” and a relief for the justice system that can “focus on more important things,” he said on Twitter. *
Promised reform*
The legalization intends to address health and security issues, fighting against organized crime funded by the black market. It is a flagship reform promised by the center-left coalition when it was formed last December.*
The social democrats have long been against it. Minister Karl Lauterbach himself admits that he has changed his mind in the last two years. The conservative right, on the other hand, remains generally opposed.
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*** ndlr. : –.
