German Health Minister outlines next steps for cannabis legalization

by Team Inc.

2022-08-19-German Health Minister outlines next steps for cannabis legalization

On a special episode of Germany's popular satirical “Heute Show,” Karl Lauterbach admitted to smoking weed and to personally supporting legalization, having previously spoken out against it. He explains what German legalization looks like.

“It was fun, I must say. It brings back pleasant memories," said the health minister, describing his own experience of smoking marijuana. The SPD health minister who is now in favor of legalization has put an end to some rumors that he was being pushed in by the socially liberal Free Democrats, who were negotiating the legalization of cannabis as a key part of their coalition agreement with the SDP and the Greens. .

Liberal cannabis regime and billions in tax revenue

Once legalized, Germany could have one of the most liberal cannabis regimes in Europe. While many European countries have legalized marijuana for medical use, so far only Malta has legalized it for personal, recreational use. People there may have up to seven grams in their possession and are allowed to grow four plants.

What the German traffic light coalition has in mind goes beyond the legalization in Malta, and is more in line with what marijuana legalization looks like in Canada. Cannabis could be regulated and taxed here, with more than €5 billion a year in potential tax revenue. Cannabis will probably soon be available in specially licensed premises and pharmacies for people over the age of 18. Similar to Dutch coffee shops.

Cannabis legalization in 2023?

Lauterbach stressed that his legal team is working to ensure such an ambitious legalization approach is in line with EU law, but says he doesn't expect any problems.
When people can legally buy weed in Germany remains the big question. The government is likely to finalize the drafting of its law to appear before the Bundestag before the end of this year, before finally taking effect in early 2023.

However, it may take longer to set up all supporting infrastructure. “I would say 2024 at the earliest,” said SPD MP Dirk Heidenblut. “Where do we get so much legal, quality-controlled cannabis so quickly? I'm not sure we'll have huge cannabis fields here any time soon.”

Source: thelocal.de (EN)

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