While many doubts remain about the content of the legalization of cannabis in Germany, and the latest news reported light legalization, an official from the German Ministry of Health said that the bill will be presented by the government “immediately after Easter”.
The legislation was originally due to be published at the end of the first quarter of 2023, but that deadline was extended “for timing reasons” as officials reportedly worked to revise it to avoid a potential conflict with international laws.
Total legalization still possible?
German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said on Wednesday that the aim was still to legalize cannabis nationwide and that he was “strongly convinced that we will present the new proposal immediately after Easter” next week.
Last month there were reports of a revision of the bill from the framework previously released by the government, with details indicating that officials planned to take a lighter, 2-step approach to reform.
First, it was said that the measure had been changed to allow growers to organize and distribute cannabis in “cannabis clubs”, similar to those in Spain.
Then there could be a part of “cannabis sales” in the form of a pilot test in certain regions of the country, such as in Switzerland.
The Minister of Health, however, did not confirm this information and said on Wednesday that “legalization is planned throughout Germany”, which means that a national commercial legalization could still be possible in the short term.
Lawmakers from the governing coalition meanwhile criticized the decision to scale back the project.
“We need Germany-wide legalization because the black market can only be pushed back if quality-assured recreational cannabis can be sold in certified stores throughout Germany,” said said Kristine Lütke of the FDP to Zeit Online. “If quality cannabis can only be legally purchased in a few cities, the black market will survive.
“Even though it is difficult to create a legally secure solution [selon les règles internationales]we must do everything in our power to implement the points agreed in the coalition agreement,” she added.
In the first releases, adults 18 and older could purchase and possess 20-30 grams of cannabis from federally licensed stores and possibly pharmacies.
They could also cultivate up to three plants for their own use, respecting the rules about putting up fences to prevent young people from having access to them.
All ongoing criminal proceedings related to offenses made legal by the reform would be suspended and closed as soon as it is implemented.
Cannabis would be subject to VAT and the plan provides for an additional “special consumption tax”. However, he does not specify the amount of this tax, believing that it should be set at a competitive rate compared to the illicit market.
