Germany Postpones Vote on Cannabis Legalization

Lawmakers in Germany have decided to postpone the vote on cannabis legalization until December 2023, with the bill now expected to take effect in March 2024, causing mixed reactions across the board. The reform includes provisions for personal use and cultivation, the establishment of cannabis clubs, a pilot commercial sales program, and emphasizes public education about cannabis risks.

Lawmakers in Germany have decided to postpone the vote on cannabis legalization, originally scheduled for next week, to December 2023. The initial plan for the cannabis law to come into effect on January 1, 2024, will not materialize. Experts predict that the bill will come into effect in March 2024.

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A Delay For Germany

Member of German Parliament Carmen Wegge from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) announced this delay, emphasizing the need for further work on the bill. This means that Germans will have to wait longer for the legalization of cannabis.

Carmen Wegge’s tweet to all Germans stated, “The decision on the CannG will be made in December. This means we are not keeping to the schedule. I know this is a huge disappointment for many. Therefore, this decision was not easy for anyone. However, well-designed improvements are in the interest of us all.”

German Perspectives on Legalization Delay

Kirsten Kappert-Gonther from the Green Party explained the delay as an opportunity to refine the bill for legalization in Germany. It is an attempt to ensure that the reform is introduced responsibly and with a focus on quality.

The Bundesrat, the body representing federal states in Germany, will also have to adjust its activities to the delay in the Bundestag. This may affect the legislative work schedule.

Despite the delay, some observers in Germany believe that the reform may be introduced later than originally planned. This provokes mixed reactions in society, with some feeling disappointed about the prolonged process.

Bill Provisions

The bill to legalize cannabis in Germany proposes legal possession of up to 25g of cannabis for personal use and cultivation of up to 3 cannabis plants by adults, the creation of cannabis clubs, and a pilot commercial sales program. This comprehensive reform will have a wide impact on national and European drug policy.

German coalition leaders emphasize the need to educate the public about the risks associated with cannabis use. They want to ensure that the legalization process is accompanied by an educational campaign.

Opposition to Legalization in Germany

However, the process of legalizing cannabis in Germany has met resistance from many institutions, including doctors, judges, and police and medical organizations. This shows that the reform has its supporters but also opponents.

There are also plans for commercial sales programs in cities across Germany, which will be revealed after approval by the European Commission. This is another stage of reform that will impact the cannabis market in Germany.

Future Implications

Ultimately, the delay in the legalization process in Germany raises many questions about the future of drug policy and may affect when and how legalization is introduced. This topic will continue to be monitored by society and political observers.

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(Featured image by Ansgar Scheffold via Unsplash)

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