GERMANY — Germany’s cabinet has ignited a heated debate by passing a landmark bill that paves the way for legalizing recreational marijuana use and cultivation.
If approved by parliament, this bold legislation would usher in one of Europe’s most lenient cannabis laws, potentially setting a precedent for a global shift in attitudes towards the plant.
The proposed legislation, while yet to face parliamentary scrutiny, holds the potential to reshape Germany’s cannabis landscape.
Under its provisions, adults would be permitted to possess up to 25 grams (0.88 oz) of marijuana, cultivate a maximum of three cannabis plants, or join non-profit cannabis clubs to access the substance.
The bill, championed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left government, aims to curb the black market, safeguard consumers from contaminated products, and reduce drug-related crime.
Destigmatizing cannabis usage
Central to the legislative vision is the dismantling of the stigma surrounding cannabis use. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, a member of Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD), underscores the importance of normalizing discussions around cannabis risks.
The government intends to launch a comprehensive awareness campaign aimed at curbing consumption, a strategy that gains traction due to the concurrent shift in legal status.
Lauterbach emphasizes that this endeavor would carry less weight without a corresponding change in the law.
“With the current procedures we could not seriously protect children and young people,” he asserts, attributing the problem to the existing taboo.
This legislative change, he argues, marks a significant turning point in Germany’s approach to drug policy.
Addressing youth vulnerability
Acknowledging the heightened vulnerability of young adults to cannabis-related risks, the legislation imposes restrictions on their purchasing power.
While older adults can buy up to 50 grams per month, the limit for those aged 18 to 25 is capped at 30 grams. This measure is driven by a mounting concern for the health well-being of this demographic.
Fierce opposition and global lessons
Critics are vocal in their opposition, particularly among conservative policymakers who fear that legalization will exacerbate marijuana use and increase the burden on authorities.
The United Nations’ narcotics watchdog has previously highlighted that cannabis legalization has led to heightened consumption and health issues.
Nonetheless, Germany asserts that it has learned from the experiences of other nations. The government’s initial plan to establish licensed cannabis shops was scaled back after consultations with Brussels.
Instead, a pilot project involving a limited number of licensed shops will be launched in select regions to evaluate the impact of a commercial cannabis supply chain.
While numerous European countries have legalized cannabis for medicinal purposes, Germany’s potential move to legalize recreational use marks a watershed moment.
If approved, it will become the first major European nation to do so. This legislative shift reflects an evolving global attitude toward cannabis, encompassing both its potential benefits and the need for responsible regulation.
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