Germany's cannabis legalization project presented to government

Germany's Minister of Health, Karl Lauterbach, has submitted to members of his government a bill to legalize cannabis possession and self-cultivation, as well as Cannabis Clubs, the first phase of a two-part reform.

The legislative text must now be proofread and amended if necessary before being finalized and sent to the legislators.

«Promise kept. Comments are welcome,» said Lauterbach in response to media coverage of this latest development.

Versprechen Gehalten. Kommentare willkommen https://t.co/G0VpIgarBY

- Prof. Karl Lauterbach (@Karl_Lauterbach) April 28, 2023

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Although the draft legislation is not yet publicly available, sources have confirmed to German media RND that the proposal would allow adults to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and grow up to three plants for personal use. It would also authorize Cannabis Clubs where growers could distribute their harvest, following the example of what's done in Spain and Malta.

Last month, Mr. Lauterbach declared that adults over 21 could buy no more than 50 grams per month from clubs, and that sales to adults aged 18 to 21 would be limited to a total of 30 grams per month.

The framework provides for a limit on THC content, although the details are to be worked out later, as well as a ban on advertising for associations or for cannabis in general.

On-site consumption would not be permitted in the clubs, but they could distribute up to seven seeds or five cuttings per month to each member for use in his or her own cultivation.

Although German authorities have apparently abandoned their initial plans to establish a national commercial cannabis market, it is expected that there will eventually be a second, complementary framework authorizing the sale of cannabis to retailers in certain jurisdictions, as part of a pilot program that would allow the country to evaluate further reforms over a five-year period.

More specifically, the authorities will study the impact of the stores on consumer trends and the illicit market. Localities will have to decide whether or not to authorize the opening of these stores.

Germany will ask the European Union (EU) to approve this aspect of the «research» sales bill. Provisions relating to possession and cultivation at home will not be subject to European scrutiny.