Germany to produce between 400 and 600 tonnes of «recreational» cannabis a year

While plans to legalize cannabis in Germany should be presented by the end of the year., Europe's leading economy began this month hearings with over 200 experts in addictions, medicine or law to prepare the legislative process.

In an interview with German online news portal Web.de, Burkhard Blienert, Federal Government Commissioner for Addictions and Drugs, said the consultations would pave the way for the presentation of a first piece of legislation by October 2022, with first sales estimated for January 1, 2024, or even earlier.

Supply, the main stumbling block

Burkhard Niermann believes that one of the major problems facing the country will be supplying the market from day one.

He told BusinessCann The demand for 400 to 600 tons of dried flowers (per year) has to be met in one way or another. It will not be possible to cover this demand with domestic production, imports are necessary.«

«So we need to find like-minded countries with whom we can enter into international trade agreements, legally modifying the regulations of single conventions.»

The means by which Germany to legalize cannabis in full compliance with international and European conventions and regulations.

Burkhard Blienert addressed this point in his interview on Web.de The protection of consumer health must be at the center of our concerns. And no one can say anything against health protection«.

He added: «Across Europe, we're having a debate about how to deal with cannabis. That's why we're also putting the international issue on the agenda of the consultation process. We need a solution as to how the whole thing can be organized within the framework of European and international law.»

«This will represent a huge diplomatic effort for German government authorities, not least to convince EU member states and officials that a licensed supply chain would not violate EU regulations.»

When Canada and Uruguay legalized cannabis for adult use, they were threatened with sanctions by the International Narcotics Control Board, but no punitive measures were taken.

In a recent report, Kenzi Riboulet-Zemouli highlighted the following points potential room for manoeuvre in international conventions to allow countries to regulate non-medical and research uses.