Legalisation of “controlled” cannabis consumption in Germany
- The measure was approved in the Council of Ministers on Wednesday and they expect the parliamentary process to end by 2023. The proponents of the law have explained that this is an attempt to “stop the black market”. Among other things, it has been agreed that cannabis is not illegal until 25 grams and that each person has three self-consumption plants.
The German Council of Ministers adopted on 16 August the bill on the legalisation of controlled cannabis use. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach explained that drug policy is a bill to “change” and “stop” the black market. It stresses that the measures that have just been agreed are more appropriate than those of countries that legalise the use of cannabis.
According to the bill passed, those over 18 years of age will be able to purchase a maximum of twenty-five grams of cannabis and a maximum of 50 grams per month. They would achieve this through partnerships that will be geared to the trade in cannabis and that must necessarily be part of it. It is also agreed that each person has a maximum of three self-consumption plants.
These measures, "aware of potential risks", will launch an awareness campaign on the potential adverse effects of THC consumption.
Lauterbach unreservedly explains what they want to achieve: “Every young person will know that using cannabis on a day-to-day basis can harm their brain and be more likely to develop psychotic switchgear.”
Non-conformities
However, marijuana consumer associations have not seen with good eyes the measures agreed by the Council of Ministers. They say the measures are "short".
Tino Sorge, spokesman for the Democratic Union (CDU), for his part, has denounced that the German Government has agreed to “tolerate subordination”, “with the consequences that this may entail”.
