German government paves way for legalization of cannabis
Germany on Wednesday paved the way to legalising the purchase and possession of small amounts of marijuana for recreational use, as well as its production. "The federal cabinet today agreed the key points for the controlled distribution of cannabis to adults for recreational use," Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said at a news conference.
The German government paved the way for the legalization of cannabis on Wednesday, though it remains unclear whether the plan will pass muster at the European level.
According to the plan approved by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Cabinet, cannabis and the active substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) would no longer be legally classified as narcotics.
The purchase and possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis would be exempt from punishment, private cultivation would be permitted to a limited extent and sale to adults in "licensed specialist shops" and possibly also pharmacies would be possible.
Whether this will actually happen, however, remains to be seen. European rules on the handling of cannabis could stand in the way of legalization in Germany.
The international legal framework offers "limited options for implementing the coalition's project," according to the plan approved by the Cabinet.
In their coalition agreement, Scholz's centre-left SPD, the Greens and the pro-business FDP had agreed to introduce "the controlled distribution of cannabis to adults for consumption purposes in licensed shops."
