German Legalization Plans Leaked: Here’s What We Know

German news agency RND has revealed a document containing key details of a plan to legalize cannabis. While its provisions are quite restrictive, it’s still important news for Europe and the rest of the world.

The reform plan, published by the RND press group, indicates that cannabis will be legalized in Germany, allowing for its purchase, possession, and cultivation. However, there will be a prohibition on all advertising promoting cannabis.

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Key Details of the German Legalization Plan

• Cannabis possession will be legal in Germany but will be capped at 20 grams of cannabis for adults aged 18 and older.
• Home cultivation of cannabis will be allowed but limited to two plants.
• Licensed stores and pharmacies will sell cannabis products, and the government will impose limits on THC of up to 15% and a limit set at 10% for 18- to 21-year-olds.
• Taxes will be set so that the retail price is close to the black market price
• All marketing and advertising of cannabis products will be banned, and dispensaries will be located away from schools, children’s, and youth facilities.
• Cannabis sold in Germany must be grown and produced domestically. Accordingly, imports of cannabis products from abroad will remain illegal.
• Cannabis consumers under the age of 18 caught in possession of cannabis will not be punished, but their cannabis will be requisitioned.

Germany to Allow 20 Grams for Personal Use

Under the plan for cannabis legalization in Germany, adults will be allowed to buy up to 20 grams of cannabis sold in stores. There is a chance that they will also be sold in pharmacies and “specialty stores.”

Some of the restrictions relate to the concentration of THC in the cannabis sold. Cannabis will have a THC limit of 15%. Young adults aged 18 to 21 will be able to buy cannabis with a 10% THC limit, which seems a smart, albeit conservative, way to limit the harms associated with cannabis use.

The plan also clarifies that cannabis sold in Germany must be produced domestically to bypass international law and avoid conflicts.

While many are celebrating the German decision, several German politicians have deemed the plan too restrictive. Kristine Lütke, a spokeswoman for the Free Democratic Liberal Party on drug policy, said some restrictions would push people into the black market.

Is a Domino Effect Coming?

The German decision to legalize cannabis has long been expected, and the government made the promise a year ago. The idea of legalization has been analyzed by experts, representing a significant step for cannabis in the European Union and the world. Germany is the EU’s largest economy and a benchmark for other countries.

Earlier this year, The Guardian spoke with several experts who offered their opinions on why legal cannabis in Germany is a game changer.

“There is bound to be a domino effect,” said Justin Haucap, director of the Dusseldorf Institute for Competition Economics. “European countries that have a much bigger problem with illegal cannabis use, such as France, are watching very closely what Germany is doing now.”

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(Featured image by Maheshkumar Painam via Unsplash)

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