German Cabinet Expected to Approve Cannabis Legalization Plan Next Week

BERLIN –Germany’s federal cabinet is anticipated to approve the first part of the government’s cannabis legalization plan next week, according to Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. In an interview with Rheinische Post, Lauterbach stressed that the reform would be accompanied by a “major campaign” to educate the public about the risks associated with cannabis use.

“I expect the cannabis approval to come into the cabinet next week. There will be small changes,” Lauterbach said, adding, “But I can already say this much: parallel to the legislation, we will run a major campaign to draw attention to the risks of cannabis consumption. Cannabis is particularly harmful to the still-growing brain. The brain is still being remodeled up to the age of 25. Anyone who consumes in this age phase is particularly harmful.”

The health minister’s goal is to reduce cannabis use among young people and make it safer for those who choose to use it.

The draft legislation, unveiled last month, would permit adults to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and cultivate a maximum of three plants for personal use. It also proposes the creation of social clubs where adults could obtain cannabis, with restrictions on proximity to schools and limits on the number of clubs per city or district.

The 163-page bill outlines the costs of implementing and regulating the program, as well as savings from reduced enforcement and new revenue expected from wage taxes from those working at cannabis clubs.

Additionally, officials are planning a complementary second measure to establish pilot programs for commercial sales in cities throughout Germany. This legislation is expected to be unveiled in the second half of the year after being submitted to the European Commission for review.

After the expected advancement through the cabinet next week, the legislation would proceed to the Bundestag, Germany’s national legislature, for formal approval.

The legalization plan has been the product of extensive review and negotiations within the German administration and the country’s “traffic light” coalition government. Lawmakers who have advocated for comprehensive cannabis legalization policies have mostly reacted positively to the government’s proposals, though some have pointed out areas for improvement.

Germany’s Federal Cabinet approved the initial framework for a legalization measure late last year, but sought sign-off from the EU to ensure compliance with international obligations.

The move towards legalization in Germany follows a trend of growing support for cannabis reform in several key European countries. A group of German lawmakers, along with Narcotics Drugs Commissioner Burkhard Blienert, visited the U.S. and toured California cannabis businesses last year to inform their country’s approach to legalization.

Germany’s anticipated approval of the cannabis legalization plan marks a significant step in the nation’s approach to drug policy. The accompanying educational campaign underscores the government’s commitment to responsible implementation, focusing on public health and safety. The developments in Germany are likely to be closely watched by other European nations considering similar reforms.