Limited legalization of cannabis in Germany approved by parliament

In the vote held in the Federal Parliament, the bill titled "Controlled use of cannabis" was accepted with 407 votes in favor and 226 against, with 4 members of parliament abstaining.

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach argued in his speech at the parliament that by partially legalizing cannabis, the German government aims to reduce the black market in this area and better protect young people.

Stating that the current situation is unacceptable, Lauterbach reported that between 2011 and 2021, the rate of children under 18 consuming cannabis increased by 50 percent, while this rate increased by 100 percent among young people aged 18-25.

Pointing out that 180 thousand crimes are committed every year due to cannabis consumption, Lauterbach said, "We cannot continue like this. We can bury our heads in the sand, but we cannot solve any problems that way."

Expressing that this bill forms a good foundation for solving problems, Lauterbach explained that personal consumption will be legalized, information will be provided regarding the dangers of cannabis consumption for brain development, and penalties for gangs selling cannabis to children and young people will be increased.

"The black market is the essence of this evil," said Lauterbach, stating that every fight against the black market is an important step for the protection of young people.

CRITICISM FROM THE OPPOSITION

Simone Borchart, a member of parliament from the main opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, criticized the government's bill, stating that if this law is enacted, the burden on the healthcare system will increase.

Stating that all experts have issued warnings against this bill, Borchart pointed out that cannabis consumption affects the brain development of young people and leads to psychological problems.

Emphasizing that all interior ministers of the states are also against this bill, Borchart used the expression, "The traffic light coalition is doing what it wants anyway."

Stating that controlled cannabis consumption will not be achieved by allowing cannabis to be grown at home, Borchart said, "How will you control home cultivation? This is not possible. This is a loss of control."

WHAT IS IN THE BILL?

According to the law, which is expected to come into force on April 1, cannabis will be removed from the list of narcotic substances and will be legalized in a limited way for private consumption under certain conditions.

Thus, adults over the age of 18 will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis, keep up to 50 grams at home, and grow 3 plants for personal consumption. Cannabis and plants will be kept in lockable cabinets or rooms to prevent theft and protect children.

Under the law, associations called "cannabis cultivation clubs," which will have a maximum of 500 members, will be able to grow cannabis and supply it to association members who have a residence permit in Germany for personal consumption. These associations will be organized on a non-commercial basis. An association will be able to provide a member with a maximum of 50 grams of cannabis per month. A person will only be able to be a member of one association. Those who want to obtain cannabis from the association will be able to do so with a membership card and an ID card with the person's photograph on it. Associations will not be able to sell cannabis and will finance themselves through membership fees.

Cannabis consumption will not be allowed within 100 meters of schools, daycare centers, youth centers, children's playgrounds, and sports facilities open to the public. Cannabis will also not be consumed in pedestrian zones closed to vehicle traffic until 20:00.

In order to protect children and young people in particular, advertising for cannabis consumption and cultivation will be prohibited. In addition, an information campaign regarding the effects and risks of cannabis will be launched, and the effects of the law will be evaluated by experts after 4 years.

The bill, which will also be discussed in the Federal Council (Bundesrat), is planned to come into force on April 1. Regulations regarding the cultivation of cannabis will be valid from July 1.

News Source: AA