First details of German cannabis legalization project emerge

Following the decision of the’Ampel in the’coalition agreement to legalize cannabis, Germany's next step is regulation. The German press has received an exclusive outline of the proposed legalization of cannabis, which is currently being discussed by the various ministries of the federal government. The points below are far from definitive.

According to the key points of the cannabis legalization project scheduled for publication this semester, possession of 20 grams of cannabis with a THC content of up to 15% will no longer be punishable. To prevent «cannabis-induced brain damage», only products with a THC content of up to 10% will be allowed to be sold to 18-21 year-olds. The possession limit of 20 grams of cannabis will apply regardless of the product's origin or THC content.

If young people under 18 are caught using cannabis, decriminalization would also apply. Youth services can force young people to take part in prevention courses, and transported cannabis will be confiscated.

Personal cultivation of two cannabis plants would be authorized.

Advertising banned despite cannabis legalization

The location of cannabis stores must be regulated. Minimum distances should be set from schools and institutions for children and teenagers. Without a corresponding license, cannabis businesses will remain punishable. The sale of synthetic cannabinoids will also be prohibited.

Despite legalization, it will remain illegal to advertise cannabis products.

«Recreational cannabis is sold in over-wrappings (plain packaging) with no advertising design,» it continues. Advertising inducements to purchase« at points of sale or on the Internet are prohibited.

Pharmacies should also be able to sell cannabis

In terms of points of sale, the plan is to authorize sales not only in approved stores, but also in pharmacies. In this way, the black market could be combated more effectively thanks to the wider range of products on offer, particularly in rural areas.

«On the other hand, it would probably be more effective in driving out the black market if recreational cannabis could also be purchased online, which is becoming increasingly important,» the text continues. In addition, «specialized stores offering the possibility of consumption» are to be authorized.

As far as taxation is concerned, sales of cannabis products will automatically be subject to sales tax. In addition, there should be a «cannabis tax».

«A calculation of the tax on the basis of the content in THC seems appropriate», we propose. This would provide a «strong incentive effect». As far as the amount of the tax is concerned, it is only stated that the highest possible tariff should lead, including the sales tax, to an end-consumer price «that approximates the black market price».

The reference document also states that cannabis needs must be met by cultivation in Germany, as imports are not an option. for reasons of European and international law.

«According to a provisional estimate, an international trade in cannabis for recreational purposes is not possible on the basis of or in accordance with international framework conditions», the document analyzes. It continues: «According to this provisional assessment, domestic demand should be covered by German production».

Edict of October 26: German Ministry of Health announces plans to legalize cannabis in Germany, This is a summary of the main points that were leaked to the German press, with some of the planned restrictions removed.