Germany reaches agreement on cannabis legalization text, vote scheduled for end of February

In Germany, the leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Greens have announced that they have reached a final agreement on the Bill to legalize cannabis in Germany.

This resolution comes after lengthy discussions and revisions that set the stage for a crucial vote on the text in the last week of February, the’scheduled to come into effect in April.

The proposed regulations are hailed as a milestone in the development of the modern drug policy, with a focus on prevention, improving health and protecting children and young people.

The future legalization of cannabis in Germany

The legalization initiative, launched last year by Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, has undergone considerable adjustments to meet the concerns of the various political parties, particularly the SPD: easing restrictions, increasing home possession limits or eliminating prison sentences for possession of slightly more than the authorized limit.

Mr. Lauterbach has consistently stressed the urgency of fight the black market, to decriminalize cannabis and strengthen the protection of minors, calling the initiative a «new departure» for drug policy in Germany.

The proposed legislation already provided for a study of post-legalization youth trends, with a report due four years after the law came into force. The recent agreement goes further, requiring an assessment of the reform's impact on the illicit market.

Kristine Lütke, of the Free Democratic Party, said: «We're paving the way for a totally new approach to the issue. different from cannabis and recognition of the realities of life».

The legislators have also staggered the implementation of the reform. The possession and home cultivation of cannabis should become for adults in April, followed by the’opening of Cannabis Clubs that can distribute cannabis to their members from July.

A a second, complementary phase is underway and should enable pilot programs for the supervised sale of cannabis in Germany's cities. This part is expected to be unveiled after it has been submitted to the European Commission for review.

The final reading of the bill in the Bundestag will mark an important milestone, leading up to the Bundesrat, where the representatives of the German states will vote. It should be noted that attempts to block the proposed reform by the members of the Bundesrat in September have failed..

Germany's adoption of full cannabis legalization marks a paradigm shift in drug policy, with a more nuanced, preventive and health-focused approach that could be a landmark in Europe.