Germany got 'very good feedback' from European Commission to legalize cannabis

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said today in Brussels that he received "very good feedback" from the European Commission for the legalization of cannabis in the country, advanced the report. NTV. Lauterbach believes that the European Union (EU) will approve its plans for the full regulation of cannabis in Germany and announced that "in the coming weeks" a bill will be presented.

Germany has already expressed, on several occasions, the intention to move forward with full legalization of cannabis, but the process turned out to be quite complex, with several concerns arising, namely whether legalization would be in line with with European law. Lauterbach has his project being verified by the EU Commission and today it seems that another step forward has been taken to overcome regulatory obstacles.

Around 4 million people used cannabis in Germany in 2021, 25% of whom were under the age of 24. A study by the Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics revealed last year that full legalization could represent annual tax revenues of around €4,7 billion and the creation of 27 new jobs, but there was a barrier to overcome: EU legislation .

“We will soon present a proposal that works, that is, that complies with European legislation”, said Lauterbach. According to NTV, the minister was optimistic that the proposal will reduce drug-related crime and make cannabis use safer, saying that "we will achieve these goals".

lauterbach presented the key points for the legalization of cannabis last October. Among others, the list stipulates that the acquisition and possession of up to 20 to 30 grams must be exempt from punishment. Supply and distribution should only be allowed within a government-licensed and controlled structure and private cultivation should be allowed up to a certain point – in principle three plants per person.