The revised plan for the legalization of cannabis in Germany will be submitted to the cabinet by mid-August.

The timetable for the legalization of cannabis in Germany is becoming clearer. According to Spiegal, the revised legalization plan is due to be presented to the government by mid-August.

«I expect the bill to reach parliament at the latest after the recess,» says Katja Mast, parliamentary secretary of the SPD group in the Bundestag, which corresponds to the middle of August. The bill is currently coordination between ministries.

The key points presented in April by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) and Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) are «a very good basis», according to Katja Masta.

A revised legalization project

Originally, Ampel had envisaged complete legalization of cannabis, with controlled sales in specialist stores. Just last autumn, Lauterbach announced extensive legalization.

Germany was nevertheless confronted with the approval of the’European Union, which for the time being that complete legalization of cannabis is not compatible with EU rules.

The ruling coalition therefore worked on a lighter version of cannabis legalization, which Lauterbach and Özdemir presented in mid-April.

The cannabis would initially be removed from the Narcotics Act, and possession of up to 25 grams would be authorized. Individuals would be authorized to grow 3 or 4 plants and a network of Cannabis Social Clubs would allow access to cannabis via their classic membership system.

In a second phase, the commercial cultivation and sale of licensed cannabis in specialized outlets or pharmacies would be tested for five years in pilot regions under scientific supervision, in order to respect the spirit of the International Conventions.

Several points are still under discussion. For example, Lauterbach wants to ban the sale of’edibles, the cannabis-infused foods. Some members of the FDP and the Greens consider this form of cannabis consumption to be less harmful than combustion, and would therefore like to authorize it.

For model regions, a second bill will be required, to be examined by the EU.

«We're counting on the bill on regional and communal pilot projects in the autumn,» said Katja Mast. We want «a paradigm shift in drug policy».

«For us, the legalization of cannabis is not only a question of justice, but is particularly necessary in the light of the protection of children and young people, as well as health protection».