Germany’s plans to legalise recreational cannabis will see the introduction of a regulated market and supply chain with cannabis products sold through specialist shops and pharmacies.
Following consultations with experts and interest groups led by the Federal Government Commissioner for Addiction and Drugs, the Federal Government has now agreed on a legislation plan.
Under the proposals, cannabis will no longer be classed as a narcotic, citizens will be free to carry up to up to 30g of cannabis for personal use, with consumption in public spaces permitted after 8pm and a cannabis tax would be introduced.
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Additionally:
- A cap on THC limits will be introduced
- Advertising of cannabis products will be prohibited
- There will be strict requirements for cannabis product packaging
- Sales will be for people aged 18 and above
- Intervention programmes for young people will be introduced
- Personal cultivation of a limited number of plants will be permitted
The plans will also see the country relying on domestic production for its supply, a point that has been criticised by experts as Germany currently has around 4 million cannabis consumers, meaning it may be difficult to keep up with demand if relying on domestic production.
Germany’s coalition government has stated that the goal of the legislation is to achieve a high level of youth protection and health protection for consumers, along with combating drug-related crime and the black market.
CEO and co-founder of German cannabis company Bloomwell Group, Niklas Kouparanis, highlighted that domestic production may not be able to compete with the black market, nor will businesses be able to compete with the black market if they cannot inform customers of product for sale.
Kouparanis commented: “The biggest question in the current legislative proposal is and remains the interpretation by the European Commission. If the EU Commission says no to Germany’s current approach to cannabis legalisation, our government should seek alternative solutions. Not just say: Well, we tried our best.
“Germany’s proposal needs to include a plan B. For example, under the scientific umbrella approach, everything would be aligned with international and EU law. They can run “scientific” projects nationwide and with access for everyone.
“The other points of criticism have already been discussed at length: If the Commission gives the green light, imports of cannabis should at least be permitted within the EU, ideally also outside the EU as well.
“Domestic cultivation will hardly be able to meet the demand in the short term, nor will it be able to compete with the illicit market in terms of quality and price.
“Businesses should somehow be able to inform their customers of their products for sale, even though advertisements will be prohibited. Otherwise, there is no chance for these to compete with the illicit market.”
Germany’s Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW) has stated it is pleased that points have been addressed such as taxation based on the THC content and the reassessment of the entire cannabis plant outside of the Narcotics Act.
Departmental co-ordinator for the regulation of stimulants and vice-president of the Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW), Dirk Heitepriem, commented: “Today is a good day to promote health and youth protection when dealing with cannabis. The German cannabis industry is grateful that the federal government is pushing ahead with the legalisation of cannabis quickly and accurately and thus pushing back the illegal market.” [Translated from google]
Managing director of the BvCW, Jürgen Neumeyer, added: “The complete removal of cannabis from the BtMG is welcomed as a constructive proposal by the cannabis industry.
“In addition to the regulation of stimulants, a reliable legal framework for medical cannabis and industrial hemp products, including products with non-intoxicating cannabinoids such as CBD, is important for the BvCW.
“The entire production chain for recreational cannabis will probably have to take place in Germany. As a cannabis industry, we are in the starting blocks for this, but we need reliable framework conditions for investment decisions and preparations.
“We look forward to the further, practicable design and are available to the federal government and the legislator as a contact person.
“In order to enable a sufficient production quantity at an early stage, outdoor cultivation, which is particularly advantageous from an ecological point of view, should also be made possible.”