Vote on cannabis legalization in Germany finally postponed until 2024

Germany's path towards cannabis legalization has hit a new hurdle: the vote scheduled for mid-December has been postponed, even though the coalition parties and the Ministry of Health had reached agreement on some of the most contentious issues a few days ago.

The SPD, a member of the coalition that has supported the legalization project from the outset, is reported to be encountering a great deal of resistance. Der Spiegel. Sources suggest that despite the fact that Karl Lauterbach carried the legalization project, an agreement was never reached with the internal politicians of the parliamentary group. With the possibility of a total rejection of the proposal, it was withdrawn from the vote.

Tensions and concerns

The unexpected delay in the vote on cannabis legalization has raised eyebrows, with internal tensions within the ruling «traffic light coalition» apparently contributing to the setback.

The SPD, the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) are at odds over budgetary issues and concerns that have not been sufficiently addressed. SPD General Secretary Kevin Kühnert stressed the need to clarify budgetary issues before proceeding to the vote on cannabis legalization.

Some SPD members expressed reservations, citing shortcomings in the fight against organized crime and insufficient provisions for the protection of minors.

The architects of the bill have already made concessions in response to concerns expressed. The changes included modifying distance restrictions for cannabis consumption near schools and other sensitive areas. The original 200-metre requirement was changed to «within sight» of the entrances to these buildings.

In addition, membership of a growers' association will now require a stay of at least six months in Germany, at France's request. The authorized stock of cannabis at home is set to rise to 50 grams, responding to criticism that the original 25-gram limit was inadequate given the yield from growing three plants. Public possession remains limited to 25 grams.

Industry in the starting blocks

The cannabis industry, both national and international, closely monitored developments in the German regulatory landscape. Publicly listed cannabis companies such as Canada's Tilray and US operator Curaleaf are eyeing the German market, but will have to wait and see.

Curaleaf, for example, acquired a majority stake in German producer and distributor Four 20 Pharma last year, and the delay in legislation could have an impact on their plans.

Earlier this year, Germany departed from its original plan to legalize recreational cannabis nationwide, opting instead for a two-phase approach with limited commercial opportunities. The revised plan includes the decriminalization of cannabis, home cultivation and possession from April 1, 2024, with the introduction of Cannabis Clubs scheduled for the following summer.

The failure to pass legislation this year has raised concerns, but some politicians, such as Dirk Heidenblut of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), remain optimistic that an April 2024 launch remains plausible if a vote takes place by the end of January. So far, the postponement of the vote does not call this into question.