Germany Moves To Legalize Cannabis—Would Be Largest European Country To Do So

Topline

German lawmakers on Wednesday approved plans to decriminalize the purchase and ownership of recreational cannabis, according to multiple news outlets, a significant step on the road to legalization and an opportunity for the North American industry to gain a foothold in Europe’s richest and most populous country.

Key Facts

Germany’s federal cabinet reportedly approved a proposal from the health ministry to legalize the purchase and possession of small amounts of cannabis for recreational use as well as its sale and production.

The plan, presented by health minister Karl Lauterbach, would allow adults to purchase and possess up to 30 grams of cannabis for their own recreational consumption.

The government would regulate cannabis production, sale and distribution as part of legalization efforts, Lauterbach said at a press conference, according to Deutsche Welle.

Cultivation would be limited to two or three plants per person and sales will be limited to specialist stores.

Advertising and marketing cannabis products will also be banned, according to the plans.

Key Background

Lauterbach said the proposal makes for “the most liberal legalization of cannabis in Europe,” according to Deutsche Welle, as well as its “most regulated market.” The health minister has touted the legalization drive as part of a “safety first” approach to the drug that acknowledges the drug’s continued use and health risks alongside the black market currently fueling it. He said the approach could serve as a model for the whole of Europe, where only a handful of countries have decriminalized recreational cannabis and only one, Malta, has legalized it. The framework marks a potential boon for Germany’s young cannabis industry, as well as the North American firms already profiting from legalization and are keen to expand.

What We Don’t Know

The cabinet’s approval kicks off a potentially lengthy process to legalize cannabis. As a member of the EU, German laws must also comply with European legislation and lawmakers fear a poorly crafted framework could be torn down by the European Court of Justice. The court has previously said member states should prevent the sale of cannabis, a possible issue for Germany’s proposal of government regulation.

What To Watch For

According to Bloomberg, the German government plans to explore limiting the amount of THC in products for adults aged 21 and under. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a key psychoactive component in cannabis and is responsible for the drug’s high. Potent weed with higher amounts of THC can have a greater impact and is associated with more health risks than milder forms of the drug.

Further Reading

Weed vs. Greed: How America Botched Legalizing Pot (Forbes)

Recreational Cannabis Not As Harmless As People Think, Study Suggests (Forbes)

Germany’s plan to legalize cannabis is out. Here’s what it says (Politico)

Germany’s move to legalise cannabis slows over fears of clash with EU laws (Guardian)