Germany Prepares for 2024 Cannabis Legalization: Revised Policies and New Timelines Announced
Germany is on track to legalize adult-use cannabis in 2024, following significant progress made by its coalition government in finalizing the framework for cannabis legalization. This development includes setting timelines for cannabis cultivation and the formation of cannabis clubs.
The country's news agency, Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA), has recently shared updates on the evolving cannabis policies in Germany. The coalition, known as the Traffic Light coalition, which consists of the Social Democratic Party, the Free Democratic Party, and The Greens, has agreed on regulations for cannabis control.
Cannabis possession and cultivation are expected to be legalized by April 1, 2024, with the establishment of cannabis social clubs slated for July 1, as reported by local media.
The coalition government is revising cannabis regulations to be more lenient. Kirsten Kappert-Gonther, a Bundestag member and Health Committee chairwoman, announced that the permissible amount for home cannabis cultivation would increase from 25 to 50 grams.
In a shift from initial plans, the government intends to moderate proposed penalties, aiming to avoid immediate criminal prosecution for certain amounts. Now, possession of 25 to 30 grams of cannabis in public and 50 to 60 grams in private will be treated as administrative offenses, with criminal charges applying only beyond these limits.
The maximum fines for cannabis-related offenses are set to be reduced significantly, from €100,000 to €30,000. Additionally, the exclusion zone for cannabis use near daycare centers, schools, and playgrounds will be halved from 200 to 100 meters.
There are still aspects to be clarified, including regulations on cannabis-impaired driving. The Federal Ministry of Transport is expected to propose a THC blood limit by March end, likely replacing the current outright ban on driving under cannabis influence.
The draft law has undergone initial discussions in the Bundestag, with its final adoption pending. The next steps involve a Bundestag decision, followed by a hiatus before the Bundesrat considers the bill. Despite previous attempts by the Bundesrat to block the reform and delays in the Bundestag, the process is moving forward.
Initially planned for early in the new year, the legalization timeline has been pushed to spring, as stated by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. The coalition, following its September 2021 election victory, included cannabis legalization in its agenda.
The draft bill has been under review for some time, with the coalition postponing the original plan to sell cannabis in licensed shops due to legal complexities with international and European laws. The next phase will focus on controlled cannabis sales for experimental purposes, drawing inspiration from practices in Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
