Germany announced proposals last October that were among the most expansive and liberal on cannabis in Europe. But on Wednesday (April 12), the country unveiled a two-phase plan that would still allow adults to possess small amounts of cannabis but not sell it in stores nationwide.
A cannabis garden in Germany. Photo: AFP
German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach told a press conference that while details may have changed, the "original objectives" remained the same, aiming to "ensure safer consumption, tackle the black market and protect young people".
The first phase of the new plan would allow the creation of “cannabis clubs,” non-profit groups of up to 500 members that would be allowed to grow the drug for personal use.
Minors will still be banned from consuming cannabis. And adults will only be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and grow up to three plants per person. A draft law on cannabis clubs will be debated later this month before going to the cabinet and MPs for approval.
The second phase will involve testing the production and sale of cannabis in specialised shops under government licences for a period of five years. Widespread nationwide sales of the drug, as envisaged in the original plan, are not possible under European law.
The pilot project could lead to changes in law in Europe, Mr Lauterbach said, adding that he had had encouraging discussions with other countries on the subject.
Legalizing cannabis is one of the top policies agreed by Germany's government coalition parties, including the Social Democrats, the Greens and the liberal FDP, when they form a government in late 2021.
Trung Kien (according to AFP)
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