According to a top official in health, a bill that would legalize marijuana in Germany will be introduced by the government “immediately following Easter.” He seems to be denying recent reports that the measure was significantly reduced from its initial framework last year.
Initial plans called for the legislation to be published by the end 2023 first quarter. However, that date was extended due to scheduling reasons. Officials reportedly tried to modify it to avoid any conflict with international laws.
German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach stated Wednesday that the plan was still to enact legalization in national. He also said that he “firmly assumes that we will present a new proposal shortly after Easter” next week.
Last month, reports indicated that the bill was being revised from the framework released by the government. Details suggested that officials intended to adopt a split approach to reform.
First, it was stated that the measure had been changed to allow growers to set up and distribute marijuana at clubs called cannabis clubs. This is similar to the ones in Spain and the Netherlands.
According to unverified reports, there would then be a sales component. It would be restricted to creating a pilot program in a region, where dispensaries could be licensed to sell marijuana in certain parts of the country. This would allow the government to assess the possibility of expanding commercial legalization.
If the bill has been revised, Germany will seek approval from the European Union (EU). The body would not have to review the home-grown language.
Although the health minister has not confirmed this report, he stated Wednesday that legalization was being planned in Germany. This suggests that national commercial legalization could still be possible in near future.
The reported decision to reduce the plan has been criticized by lawmakers from the coalition government.
“We need Germany-wide legalization. The black market cannot be pushed back if cannabis can only be traded in certified shops across Germany,” Kristine Lutke, FDP , told Zeit Online. The black market will not survive if you can legally only buy quality-assured marijuana in a handful of cities.
She stated that even though it may be difficult to find a legally sound solution under international rules, we must do all we can to implement points in the coalition agreement.
Canan Bayram, Green Party member, stated that it is “questionable” whether the goal to eradicate the illicit market in the revised regional plan will be achieved.
The coalition had previously released a framework that allowed adults over 18 to purchase and possess between 20 and 30 grams of marijuana in federally licensed shops and pharmacies.
They can also grow up three plants for their own personal use. However, there are rules that they must keep them contained to protect youth access.
All criminal proceedings relating to offenses that were legalized under the reform will be suspended and closed after implementation.
Marijuana would have to be subjected to the country’s retail tax. However, the plan doesn’t call for an additional “special consumption” tax. Instead, it argues that it should be set at a rate comparable with the illegal market.
Lauterbach stated last month that German officials received “very positive feedback” from EU regarding the previous reform framework. He would be revising the plan before officially introducing a bill to the legislature.
The initial framework for legalization in Germany was approved by the Federal Cabinet late last year. However, the government needed to obtain the approval of the EU to make sure that the reform would not violate their international obligations.
Adults over 18 years old would be able to purchase 20-30 grams of marijuana from licensed federal stores or pharmacies. Individuals could also grow up three plants for their own personal use. However, there are rules that will prevent youth access to the marijuana.
The country would tax marijuana and impose a special consumption tax. All criminal proceedings relating to violations made legal by the reform will be suspended and closed after implementation.
This framework was developed after months of negotiations and review within the German administration and the country’s “traffic light” coalition government. Officials made the first step towards legalization last summer by launching a series hearings to inform legislation that would end country’s prohibition.
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To inform their country’s legalization strategy, a group of German legislators, along with Burkhard Blienert (Narcotic Drugs Commissioner), visited California last year and visited cannabis businesses .
This visit was two months after high-ranking officials from Germany, Luxembourg and Malta met to discuss the challenges and plans related to recreational marijuana legalization.
In 2021, leaders of the coalition government stated that they had reached an accord to end cannabis prohibition. They also enacted regulations for a legal market. Last year, they first previewed details of that plan.
An international survey, released last year, found that majority support was given for legalization by several key European countries including Germany.
Arkansas House passes a bill to protect medical marijuana patients’ rights to carry concealed guns
The post Germany Marijuana Legalization Act To Be Released “Immediately After Easter,” But Details Remain In Question appeared initially on Marijuana Moment.
