German MPs have reached an agreement on the text legalizing cannabis in Germany which will be put to a vote in the Bundestag next week, with the support of the government coalition.
The final text relaxes some of the proposed regulations, winning cross-party support and paving the way for a decisive vote in the Bundestag.
A Green Party MP, Kirsten Kappert-Gonther, explained that the negotiations around the text made it possible to “find practical rules which guarantee the protection of young people and health and which make the decriminalization of adult consumers a reality”.
The key points of the negotiation
One of the cornerstones of the legislation is the reduction of restrictions on the possession and consumption of cannabis. No-consumption zones around squares, playgrounds and schools have been halved, from 200 to 100 meters. In addition, the law introduces a margin of tolerance for the possession of cannabis. Possession of 25 to 30 grams, which would have previously been criminalized, is now considered a minor offense, with criminal charges only applying to quantities above this range.
Significant changes have also been made regarding personal culture. The authorized quantity of dried cannabis cultivated by the person concerned has been doubled, from 25 to 50 grams. Possession of less than 60 grams is considered a minor offense, with criminal charges applying beyond this limit. The legislation specifies that the authorized quantity refers to dried cannabis and not to flowers just harvested (which weigh more).
Another key aspect of the law is the establishment of a new THC limit for drivers, with the current limit of one nanogram per milliliter of blood considered too low. A specialized commission will be responsible for proposing a revised threshold by March 31, 2024.
Implementation of the law is planned in stages. Provisions relating to personal cultivation and decriminalization of possession are expected to come into force on March 1, while regulations relating to Cannabis Clubs are expected to be active by June 1 or July 1.
Authorities also plan to introduce a second complementary measure that would establish pilot programs for commercial sales in cities across the country. This legislation is expected to be unveiled after being submitted to the European Commission for review.
Once the Bundestag passes the legalization measure, Kappert-Gonther said lawmakers “will continue to work together on the second pillar,” which concerns the commercial sales pilot program.
After next week’s vote, it will be several months before the bill is considered by the Bundesrat, a separate legislative body that represents Germany’s states. Members of the Bundesrat tried to block the proposed reform in September, but failed.
