German Lawmakers Debate Over Cannabis Regulations

German lawmakers are preparing to consider amendments to the cannabis legalization law that came into force last month. This week, parliamentary committees will begin debating changes to the cultivation of cannabis in cannabis clubs and regulations regarding driving under the influence of THC. These proposals aim to further align the law with the country’s social and health needs.

The history of cannabis legalization in Germany

Germany has been debating the legalization of cannabis for years. The first steps in this direction were introduced already in 2022, when a series of talks began to collect information needed to create appropriate law. In 2021, the leaders of the ruling coalition reached an agreement to end prohibition and introduce regulations for the legal cannabis industry.

Currently, adults can possess and grow cannabis for personal use, but there is no regulated sales model. Legalization in its current form was the result of a compromise that avoided delays in the implementation of the reform.

Planned changes in law

One of the proposals, which will go to the Bundestag on Friday, is to give individual states greater powers to set restrictions on cultivation in cannabis clubs. These clubs will be able to start distributing cannabis to their members in July. This proposal aims to better adapt regulations to the specificity of individual regions and the needs of local communities.

A separate bill, scheduled for preliminary debate on Friday, introduces a THC limit in drivers’ blood at 3.5 ng/ml. This law is controversial due to the lack of scientific evidence on the effectiveness of such policies. This proposal is to be forwarded to the Transport Committee.

Parliamentary debate on cannabis legalization

The role of the Health Committee and the Transport Committee will be key in the legislative process. The Health Committee will focus on health and social aspects, while the Transport Committee will examine road safety regulations. These debates will be an opportunity to present various arguments for and against the proposed changes.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who led the government’s efforts to legalize cannabis, pledged to amend the law after it passed, which helped avoid delays in its implementation. The reactions of various political parties will be crucial for the further shape of the law.

International context

Germany conducts active international cooperation in the field of drug policy. Government representatives met with representatives of other countries, including the USA, to discuss issues related to the legalization of cannabis. International visits and consultations helped shape the German approach to this issue.

The UN has repeatedly stressed that legalizing cannabis for non-medical or scientific purposes is a violation of international treaties. The German government, trying to avoid conflict with international law, modified its legalization plans, which was appreciated by the UN. However, the United Nations refers to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, which prohibits, among others, regulated sale of cannabis, but is the 63-year-old law consistent with current scientific knowledge regarding cannabis?

Second phase of cannabis legalization in Germany

The German government is simultaneously moving forward with a second phase of legalization, aimed at creating a pilot program for commercial sales. These plans are currently under review and the pressure to implement them quickly increases with the introduction of legalization.

Legalizing cannabis could bring significant economic benefits, including new jobs and additional tax revenue. At the same time, it is important to monitor the impact on public health and society.

Summary

Planned changes to German cannabis law focus on cultivation in cannabis clubs and rules on driving under the influence of THC. These changes aim to further adapt the law to the country’s social and health needs.

The future of cannabis legalization in Germany looks promising, although the government still faces numerous challenges in implementing the new regulations. Further changes to the law are expected to have a significant impact on society and the economy.

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(Featured image by cocoparisienne via Pixabay)

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