Germany set to decriminalise recreational cannabis in historic move
The country has moved to draft laws to legalise cannabis for recreational purposes, which would make it only the second country in Europe to do so after Malta.
German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach addressed a press conference on Wednesday, presenting a revolutionary draft of planned legislation to regulate the controlled distribution and consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes among adults.
According to the proposed draft,
The move has been touted by the Health Minister as one that would make Germany Europe’s “most liberal cannabis legalization project” but also its “most tightly regulated market.”
Cannabis Legalisierung ist notwendig, wenn wir unsere nicht erfolgreiche Bekämpfung von Drogenkriminalität beenden wollen. Das Gesetz wird auch den Konsum insbesondere bei jungen Menschen reduzieren. Bessere Gesundheit und weniger Konsum sind das Ziel https://t.co/FRjbN2yCKz
— Prof. Karl Lauterbach (@Karl_Lauterbach) October 26, 2022
In the presentation of the decriminalisation proposal, Lauterbach talked about how the cannabis ban in the country in recent years has been particularly counterproductive and the plan to remove its criminal status will help protect the health of young people.
'Legalize it!' Germany's three coalition parties talked about decriminalizing cannabis in their program for government: A first step has now been taken.
— DW Politics (@dw_politics) October 26, 2022
Health Minister .@Karl_Lauterbach has also tried cannabis "on a trial basis," as he shared when he presented his key points. pic.twitter.com/SZ0teXopqL
Currently, the new cannabis proposal is to be submitted to the EU Commission to check for its compliance with EU treaties and the Schengen Agreement that facilitates free travel among 26 countries
According to Reuters, legalising cannabis could bring Germany annual tax revenues and cost savings of about 4.7 billion euros ($4.7 billion) and create 27,000 new jobs.
However, Berlin-based cannabis company the Sanity Group offered some critique in a statement.
Though the move towards decriminalisation in Germany does not have a definitive timeline, it is still one of the most radical, government mandated steps taken within Europe and sets an important precedent for destigmatisation and public awareness world over.