Germany: Lauterbach to outline cannabis legalization plan

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Wednesday 26 Oct 2022

An adult would be allowed to carry up to 30 grams of cannabis for their own consumption, details of the plan show, but the legislative process could be a long one.

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach is set to present his plans on the legalization of cannabis to the cabinet of Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday.

Lauterbach, of the ruling Social Democrats (SPD), is set to present a survey which estimates that about 4 million adults use cannabis in Germany. The data suggests there is a huge black market and organized crime involved in the trade.

What does Lauterbach have planned?

Details seen by news agencies show that Lauterbach wants to allow the acquisition and possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis for personal recreational consumption. The plans further show that he wants to legalize the production, supply and distribution of cannabis within a regulated and state-controlled framework.

The cultivation of cannabis would be permitted to a limited extent. Three plants per adult person are to be allowed, according to local media reports.

Sales would occur in specialist shops and possibly pharmacies. According to the plans, advertising for cannabis products will be prohibited.

Long legislative process expected

The Green Party, who govern in coalition with the SPD and the business-friendly Free Democrats (FPD), has stated that these are important points for a legislative draft on the legalization of cannabis. The party has long been an advocate for the legalization of cannabis.

Germany's Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) had said last month that cannabis could potentially be legalized by 2023.

However, federal Drug and Addiction Commissioner Burkhard Blienert had suggested in July that it was questionable if such a law could be implemented before 2024.

The governing coalition is expected to present a draft law at the end of this year or the beginning of next year.

However, a specific bill will only be drafted after the EU has no legal objections to the planned legalization. The plan detailed on Wednesday can still change drastically in the course of the legislative process.

https://www.dw.com/en/germany-health-minister-lauterbach-to-present-plan-on-cannabis-legalization/a-63558414

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