The trade in cannabis, which is said to have medicinal properties, is likely to increase significantly after legalization.
(Photo: dpa)
Berlin Health Minister Karl Lauterbach used to be a staunch opponent of cannabis legalization. With the controlled release of the drug, the SPD politician is now launching one of the few projects of the traffic light coalition on which there is consensus across factions.
The project is complex. Several ministries are involved. There is also a risk of a veto from Brussels, since full approval could violate EU law. A key issues paper by the federal government now provides information about exactly what Lauterbach is planning. The key points are available to the Handelsblatt. First, the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” reported about it.
According to this, the purchase and possession of 20 grams of cannabis from the age of 18 could in principle be exempt from punishment in the future. Accordingly, there are also special requirements for young people and a general ban on advertising.
Voting could be through next week
The paper is currently being coordinated with the ministries involved, including the departments of health, economy, justice, food and foreign affairs. So changes are likely. The SPD, Greens and FDP have agreed in the coalition agreement to introduce a “controlled sale of cannabis to adults for recreational purposes in licensed shops”. Several expert hearings were organized to prepare extensive regulations for this.
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The Ministry of Health assumes that the vote could be completed in the coming weeks. This should then be checked by Brussels for EU legal conformity. The procedure is intended to prevent the project, like the toll law, from failing before the European Court of Justice. Experts see hurdles in European and international law for cannabis approval. If the concerns can be dispelled, the legislative process is expected for the beginning of next year.
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The key issues paper also provides for allowing the self-cultivation of up to two cannabis plants. The amount of the intoxicating substance THC in legalized cannabis should not exceed 15 percent. In order to prevent “cannabis-related brain damage”, only products with a maximum THC content of ten percent should be sold to people between 18 and 21 years of age.
In principle, cannabis could therefore no longer be legally classified as a narcotic. If young people under the age of 18 were caught with cannabis, there should be impunity. However, youth welfare offices should then oblige them to take part in prevention courses. In addition, the cannabis carried should be confiscated.
For locations of cannabis shops, requirements such as minimum distances from schools, children’s and youth facilities are in view. Despite legalization, it should remain prohibited to advertise cannabis products.
About four million citizens use cannabis
Lauterbach had made it clear that protection against damage to health should play a central role in the planned release. The “safety first” principle will be followed, he said at the end of June. It was not intended to downplay cannabis. However, the risks of the current practice are greater than what can be achieved with a legalized levy.
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According to Lauterbach, around four million adults use cannabis. There is a large black market, organized crime and pollution. “The consumption of cannabis in moderation, well secured, in quality and without drug-related crime is something that has to be accepted and is part of a modern society,” emphasized the minister.
On the other hand, the Union sharply criticized the planned release of cannabis on Wednesday. Bavaria’s Health Minister Klaus Holetschek (CSU) called on Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) to stop his traffic light coalition’s cannabis legalization plans.
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Apparently, Minister Lauterbach is now driving legalization forward and has had key points developed for this, Holetschek told the German Press Agency. “This threatens – regardless of the details that have not yet been confirmed – that the risks from this drug will be further downplayed.” In addition, Lauterbach’s commitment “for this wrong path” is a pure waste of energy and resources in view of the really pressing problems in health and care policy.
With agency material
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