Germany: Federal Cabinet approves legalization of adult cannabis use

The Federal Office of Germany approved today the bill that intends to regulate the adult use of cannabis in the country. The 183-page document will now have to go through the legislative process in Parliament. The approved project implements non-commercial private and community self-cultivation for self-consumption by adults. The protection of children and young people is a central component of the entire legislative project.

German legislation for recreational cannabis thus continues to progress at a good pace in the German legislative circuit, with an important advance within the governmental circle. The Government of Olaf Scholz today approved the decree of law that implements the first step of a two-part plan for the regulation of recreational cannabis in Europe's largest country. The approval from the federal cabinet is an important step forward for the project, which still needs the approval of the German parliament.

In a press conference, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said that “the cannabis law marks a turning point in what has unfortunately been a failed drug policy. The aim is to repress the illicit market and drug-related crime, curb the trafficking of adulterated or toxic substances and reduce the number of users. Consumption remains prohibited for young people and for young adults it should only be possible to a limited extent. This restriction is necessary, as cannabis is particularly harmful to the still-growing brain. To prevent teenagers from consuming it anyway, we are already starting an information campaign. No one should misunderstand the law. Cannabis use is legal, but it is still dangerous.”

Cannabis: Cool, but…

The protection of children and young people is a central component of the entire legislative project, which will focus on reducing risks and minimizing damage to dissuade young people from using cannabis. Germany will invest in a campaign that has already started on the streets and which contains phrases such as “Cannabis: Legal, but… not in the mood for a panic attack”, “Cannabis: Legal, but… I prefer broccoli” or “Cannabis: Legal, but… dangerous”.

Although legalization may happen later than announced in the past by the German Minister of Health, this is justified by the strong limitations that the initial ambitions for legalization. Nevertheless, the government worked to shape the initial idea and today the promised reform of Olaf Scholz's social and liberal coalition, sees the light of day and moves to parliament for discussion and approval.

Self-cultivation and Associative Cultivation could be a reality in 2023

Germany may be preparing an early Christmas present for supporters of cannabis regulation, as the government believes the legislation could come into force later this year. German regulations allow for the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis for recreational purposes and also allow citizens to self-cultivate up to 3 plants.

Residents aged 18 and over may join non-profit “cannabis clubs” with a maximum of 500 members each. Clubs will be subject to specific licensing to carry out cannabis cultivation activities for members' personal consumption.

Germany wants to legalize cannabis with self-cultivation of up to 3 plants, associations and regional pilot projects