Germany: a giant step towards cannabis legalization!

A Momentous Leap Towards Cannabis Legalization!

Fantastic news for our German compatriots! The country is taking significant strides towards legalization with a draft law aimed at decriminalizing the cultivation and possession of cannabis.

Today, an article from 20Minutes.ch sheds light on this groundbreaking development. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir presented their project in Berlin, outlining their vision of enabling the cultivation and distribution of cannabis through specialized clubs known as "Cannabis Social Clubs."

What's new in the cannabis sector?

What does this mean for the future? Initially, there won't be immediate changes, but as the law progresses and becomes more refined, individuals will no longer face criminal prosecution for carrying less than 25 grams of cannabis flowers or cultivating fewer than 3 plants for personal use. This brings much-needed relief to consumers, who will no longer have to fear fines or endure lengthy and cumbersome legal proceedings for such small quantities. Additionally, it is expected to alleviate the bureaucratic burden on the police force, allowing them to prioritize more pressing matters.

The first draft law will be unveiled in April.

Following this momentous announcement, we will have to wait until April for the first draft law to be presented, which will then be submitted to the government. This draft will outline the precise regulations pertaining to the possession and personal cultivation of cannabis. However, it's important to note that the current legislation does not encompass the legalization of cannabis sales and trade. Once approved by the government, this project will also need to pass through the Bundestag (German Parliament) and the Bundesrat (German Federal Council).

This ambitious goal is championed by a cross-party coalition consisting of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Green Party, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). In fact, they have agreed in their program to "introduce the controlled distribution of cannabis to adults for the purpose of consumption in authorized stores." A similar proposal had already been put forward in the fall of 2022, but concerns were raised regarding international and European law. However, it seems that these concerns have now been addressed, providing a glimmer of hope.

Opposition voices raise resistance

Unsurprisingly, the draft law has attracted criticism and sparked controversy. Politician Jens Spahn from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) took to Twitter to mock the project. While he has garnered some support for his statements, there are also many who disagree and demonstrate that public opinion on cannabis and its benefits remains somewhat divided, though progress is being made. At B-Chill, we are thrilled by this development and hope that political momentum continues in this direction, influencing the perspectives of neighboring countries and challenging the deep-rooted prejudices against this incredible plant that has so much to offer!