Germany takes advice from Malta on cannabis regulation

Last week, representatives from several European countries met at the invitation of the Maltese government to discuss the issue of cannabis regulation, the German Ministry of Health said in a press release. This meeting, which follows on from the discussions that took place in Luxembourg in July 2022, aims to promote a modern, health-focused cannabis policy.

International Cooperation for a Modern Cannabis Policy

The meeting agenda included discussions on developments and national approaches to cannabis policy. International frameworks for cannabis policy were also addressed.

Burkhard Blienert, head of the German delegation and the German federal government’s representative on drug abuse and drug policy, emphasized in the press release the importance of international cooperation in this regard:

«We face challenges in the areas of substance use and drug policy that no single country can tackle on its own. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to implementing appropriate cannabis policies. This makes it all the more important for innovative European countries to share their national approaches and exchange experiences. The main objectives of revised cannabis policies are to strengthen prevention, reduce health risks, decrease stigma, and facilitate access to support. Relying solely on bans will not move us forward in this debate.».

Despite existing bans, at least 4.5 million adults used cannabis last year in Germany alone. This poses «significant risks,» as illicit cannabis on the black market «contains increasingly high levels of active ingredients and is often contaminated with other substances or drugs.».

Continued Ministerial Consultations on Cannabis Regulation

The meeting in Malta marked the continuation of ministerial consultations on the regulation of cannabis for non-medical purposes, which were first held on July 15, 2022, in Luxembourg, where a delegation from the Netherlands was also present at the time but refused to sign the joint statement.

In addition to Malta, Germany, and the Netherlands, delegations from the Luxembourg and Czech Republic were also present.

The goal of these discussions is to promote modern, health-focused cannabis policies across Europe. The participating countries hope to work together to develop effective approaches to address the challenges posed by current cannabis use and ensure a better future for their citizens.