Germany hosts the 2nd International Forum for the Sustainable Regulation of Cannabis

The second «International Forum for Sustainable Cannabis Regulation» (IFSCR) was held yesterday, November 21, at Lübbenau Castle in Brandenburg, Germany. Delegations from countries such as Canada, Colombia, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and the United States participated and presented the latest developments in their respective national cannabis policies.

Among these countries, Canada and Malta has already adopted the legalization of cannabis. In Mexico, Lawmakers have been working for several years to end the ban, after the country’s Supreme Court ruled the policy unconstitutional. A bill to legalize cannabis is also moving forward in Colombia. The The Czech Republic has decided to follow Germany's lead and legalize, even though Switzerland is experimenting legalization in several cities.

The focus was on the global policy landscape regarding cannabis and on new initiatives for the protection of human rights, the alternatives to drug cultivation and health protection.

Today, @BdB_SD_Blienert and @BMZ_Bund host the '2nd International Forum for Sustainable Cannabis Regulation' in Brandenburg. The forum focuses on innovative and sustainable approaches to international cannabis policy. Details in this press release: https://t.co/Yf8gBwAKak pic.twitter.com/52WgOxLm2T

— GPDPD (@GPDPD_) November 21, 2023

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Germany Is Rethinking Its Cannabis Policy

Burkhard Blienert, the German government's representative for drug abuse and drug policy, served as the forum's patron.

Also in charge of the project for legalization of cannabis in Germany, he spoke about the country’s progress: «The old approaches to cannabis policy are no longer sufficient. As in many other countries, more and more people in Germany have used cannabis despite the bans, and this illicit substance has caused serious health problems for a growing number of people. Instead of ineffective bans, Germany is looking to the future with a focus on coherent regulation, prevention, and the protection of youth and public health.»

He also emphasized the importance of international dialogue: «Like us, many other countries are exploring new approaches to cannabis policy. It is important that we learn from one another and openly discuss what works and the challenges we face. Furthermore, at the international level, we should strive to establish fair, sustainable, and health-focused conditions and work closely together. Ultimately, everything is connected: What happens in our drug policy affects the situation in countries where cannabis is grown and transported—and vice versa.»

Cannabis Regulation at the Heart of the European Union

Prior to the main forum, led by the representative for addiction and drug issues, representatives from several EU countries that have already taken steps to regulate cannabis met.

Immediately following this, the eighth Brandenburg Forum on Drug Policy and Development will take place, with more than 20 governments participating. The IFSCR and the Brandenburg Forum are jointly organized with the support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The Norwegian and Dutch governments, as well as leading nongovernmental organizations, also support the Brandenburg Forum, an internationally renowned event.