German Cabinet Passes Cannabis Legalization Bill, Signaling A 'Turning Point' In Drug Policy

Germany’s federal cabinet approved marijuana legalization bill on Wednesday sending it to the legislature for consideration, reported Reuters. 

The approval comes on the heels of the annual cannabis legalization protest in Berlin held on Saturday, gathering hundreds of people in the Hanfparafe (Hemp Parade). This year the motto was “Hemp is great for peace and climate.” 

The draft legislation backed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz would legalize recreational cannabis use and personal cultivation of up to three plants, allowing adults to possess as much as 25 grams of weed, and would also allow buying weed at marijuana clubs. The bill was first introduced in April and it was seen as “scaled back” after the talks with the EU. 

Turning Point In Drug Policy 

According to Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, the idea behind the reform is to remove taboos and raise awareness about the potential risks. 

"With the current procedures we could not seriously protect children and young people, the topic has been made a taboo," Lauterbach said. "We have rising, problematic consumption, we couldn't simply allow this to go on. So this is an important turning point in our drug policy."

In a tweet posted Wednesday, Lauterbach said that crime, consumption and the black market are booming and that it can’t go on like this. He also invited people to ask questions about the new policy, and said that he will answer on Friday in “Consultation Hours.” 

Cannabis wird legal. Ein Wendepunkt in der gescheiterten Drogenpolitik. Bisher steigen Konsum, Kriminalität und der Schwarzmarkt wächst. Oft gibt es toxische Beimengungen. So konnte es einfach nicht weitergehen. Stellt hier Fragen. Am Freitag gebe ich Antworten in „Sprechstunde“ https://t.co/ZhG3NExdsq

— Prof. Karl Lauterbach (@Karl_Lauterbach) August 16, 2023

“For young people, consumption remains prohibited and for young adults it should be possible only to a limited extent,” Lauterbach said. “This restriction is necessary because cannabis is particularly harmful to the still-growing brain. Cannabis consumption will be legalized. But it will still be dangerous.”

‘Loss Of Control?’ 

Expectantly, there are opponents to this reform, who argue that the legalization will encourage cannabis use. 

Armin Schuster, conservative interior minister for the state of Saxony said that “this law will be linked to a complete loss of control.” 

Interior Minister of Hamburg, who is also a Social Democrat like Scholz noted other countries' experiences showed growth in consumption following legalization. 

Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Kevin Woblick and Matthew Brodeur via Unsplash