Does German Cannabis Legalization Go Far Enough?
The German Cabinet passed a landmark cannabis bill on August 16, 2023 that paves the way for German cannabis legalization. If parliament passes the bill, it would allow adults to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis, grow three plants, and purchase cannabis at non-profit “cannabis clubs”.
The German Health Minister, Karl Lauterbach, said that among other things, it allows more education about cannabis use and health impacts.
“With the current procedures we could not seriously protect children and young people. The topic has been made a taboo,” Lauterbach said. “We have rising, problematic consumption. We couldn’t simply allow this to go on. So this is an important turning point in our drug policy.”
But many wonder if this move towards German cannabis legalization goes far enough. It’s this “non-profit” aspect that some disagree with. One of the stated goals of German cannabis legalization is to eliminate the illegal cannabis market. However, the German Hemp Association called the rules “unrealistic” stating that the only way to truly fight the illegal cannabis market would be to allow cannabis shops to sell cannabis.
Kristine Luetke, part of a pro-cannabis organization, said that the bill amounts to a continuing “prohibition policy” and that it creates a “bureaucratic monster”.
Others Say German Cannabis Legalization Shouldn’t Happen at All – LPC
Unsurprisingly, many say German cannabis legalization shouldn’t happen at all. Armin Schuster, the Interior Minister for the state of Saxony, said, “This law will be linked to a complete loss of control.”
The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), part of the United Nations, warned that, “In all jurisdictions where cannabis has been legalized, data show that cannabis-related health problems have increased.” It also pointed out that German cannabis legalization or anywhere else contravenes the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which dates back to 1961.
Of course, the Canadian experience has proven that these statements are false or misleading. For example, one study noted that an increase in Emergency Department visits related to cannabis use could be partly or wholly explained by the COVID pandemic. Further, legalization did not lead to a huge cannabis consumption spike, despite fears of a “complete loss of control”.
Neither the naysayers nor the Reuters article mention the positive aspects of legalization including eliminating the risk of cannabis and racism or crime reduction.
Ultimately, the Germans will be the ones who decide on whether there will be German cannabis legalization. They will also be the ones decide what that looks like. If the bill passes though, Germany will be the second EU country to legalize recreation cannabis. Malta became the first EU country to legalize cannabis in December 2021.
Click here to read the original Reuters article.
ADD YOUR STORY HERE
Do you have a business in Canada’s legal cannabis market? Are you a craft cannabis producer or own a chain or independent cannabis retail store? Let’s tell your story here! A news article and your approved listing page make great ways to connect your brand with a qualified audience looking for what you are offering. Learn more about submitting your article to LPC.
