Germany: Minister of Health submits bill for recreational cannabis

The German press said that last Friday the bill for the full legalization of cannabis in Germany was introduced in the legislative circle. The information, provided by Karl Lauterbach's ministry, also revealed that the project is based on the pillars initially outlined for legalization.

Shortly before the end of April, the Federal Minister of Health, Karl Lauterbach (SPD), presented the first bill for the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes. The document, which will follow the announced pillars, was submitted last Friday for formal deliberations - it is expected that the document will already be circulated by the other ministries, for inspection and examination of the project - as per according to the German press, citing the German press agency.

A spokesperson for the ministry of health confirmed that the bill has been submitted, but the specific content is not yet known, as bills are not usually released at this stage. The ministry intended to submit the document tobefore the end of March.

The bill submitted takes up the well-known pillars in the sense of creating associations, the possession of up to 25 grams and also the cultivation of a maximum of three plants for personal use. Initially there will be no free sale in specialized stores, as expected. It is planned to test it later as a pilot project in some municipalities, through the use of additional legislation.

After the formal votes and deliberations taking place in the legislator's offices and departments, the bill should begin its journey, moving on to discussion in the Bundestag and the Bundesrat. It is not yet known when the bill will be discussed or when it is expected to come into force, but representatives of the pro-cannabis industry in the governing coalition aim to operationalize the reform later this year.