Germany's Cannabis Legalization Debate Postponed: Middle East Tensions To Blame Or Internal Doubts?

The first reading of the marijuana legalization bill in Germany’s Federal Council, Bundestag has been postponed due, say some politicians, to the global situation brought on by the Israel-Hamas War. The Bundestag, one of two main bodies of the country's legislature was scheduled to consider marijuana reform on Friday, but that “discussion of the initiative was removed from the agenda,” writes Marijuana Moment citing the official Bundestag site.

While the official reason for the delay was not revealed on the site, Carmen Wegge and Dirk Heidenblut of the Social Democratic Party signaled that the “global political situation” could be the cause. The lawmakers added that even though the ongoing conflict in Israel is affecting the legislature’s plans, they “will make sure that everything gets done” on time to keep on track with the reform’s plan.

The news of the delay comes some two months after the German Cabinet passed a marijuana legalization bill. 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.

See Also: Positive Outlook For Weed Legalization In Germany's Legislature

Or Are There Internal Concerns?

Since the official reason for postponing the first reading of the measure was not released, not everyone shares the opinion that the Middle East war is the reason. Thorsten Frei, a member of the minority Christian Democratic Union, told the Legal Tribune Online that removing the bill from the agenda was “surprising” and that perhaps internal concerns about the measure have caused it.

The Bundestag stated Thursday that some state representatives are worried about “high financial consequences for the states due to control and enforcement as well as prevention and intervention tasks” with “control of cultivation associations is given as an example.” Furthermore, the Federal Council added that the government does not share concerns about the enforcement effort.

Lawmakers have until Dec. 15 to enact the reform. Otherwise, they need to wait until Feb. 2024. Kristine Lütke of the Free Democratic Party confirmed that there is still time to get it done this year, even with this delay.

Continue reading on Marijuana Moment.

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