Germany Sets THC Limits For Drivers, Opposition Groups Say It's Too High

Lawmakers in Germany have set a maximum allowed limit of THC – the psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant – for drivers to have in the blood.

The Bundestag, the country’s lower house of parliament, introduced this week a limit of 3.5 nanograms per milliliter. As DW highlighted that's an equivalent to 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. The decision builds on a recommendation by an expert panel commissioned by the Transport Ministry.

See Also: Germany: Lawmakers Kill Hemp ‘Intoxication Clause,' Propose Changes To Cannabis Law

In addition, alcohol for drivers that consumed cannabis is off-limits, under the amended law.

While the majority of lawmakers agreed on increasing the THC limit for drivers, the conservative Union Fraction (CDU/CSU) was against it. They called for a ban on cannabis consumption for drivers to remain effective.

In the meantime, the lawmakers also give the green light to a policy change under which federal states would have more rights to regulate the official growers associations (Anbauvereine), which is slated to kick off cannabis cultivation on July 1 and supply it to its members.

Cannabis legalization in Germany took effect on April 1. The law stipulates adults over 18 can legally possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis and cultivate up to three marijuana plants at home.

Beginning July 1, adults will be able to join not-for-profit social clubs where they can buy up to 25 grams of cannabis, with a cap of 50 grams per month. That cap is 30 grams for members under 21 years old.

Some of the big players in the cannabis industry that already operate in the European country are Aurora Cannabis Inc. ACB, Canopy Growth Corporation CGC, Tilray Brands, Inc. TLRY TLRY and

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. CURLF.

to name a few.

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