Germany Legalizes Cannabis: Landmark Decision Sparks Debate And Becomes 9th Country To Embrace Reform
Germany Legalizes Cannabis
European country Germany has declared the use of cannabis legal in its territory. The German Parliament, Bundestag, has also passed a law regarding this. According to this law, individuals and voluntary associations are permitted to develop and possess a limited amount of medication. The ruling three-party coalition led by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz played a crucial role in passing this law. The law legalizes the cultivation of up to three plants for personal consumption and ownership of up to 25 grams of cannabis.
What did the German government say after passing the law?
According to this law, members of cannabis clubs in Germany will be allowed to produce cannabis for non-commercial use on a large scale. These clubs should not have more than 500 members. Additionally, all members must be adults. Only club members will be allowed to use the produced cannabis. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach initiated a heated debate by saying, “We have two goals: cracking down on the black market and improving the safety of children and young people.” However, the opposition in Germany accused them of promoting the use of intoxicating drugs.
Opposition surrounded the government regarding drugs
Christian Democratic Union lawmaker Tino Sorge said, “You are emphasizing with full seriousness that by legalizing more drugs, we will prevent the use of intoxicating drugs among young people. This is the most foolish thing I have ever heard.” But Lauterbach said that it is like “burying our heads in the sand”: not only has the use of cannabis increased among young people, whose developing brains are particularly at risk. Nowadays, drugs on the streets are more potent and impure, leading to a significant increase in their harm.
Germany becomes the 9th country to legalize cannabis
It is estimated that about 4.5 million Germans use cannabis. Germany has become the ninth country to legalize the use of cannabis as medicine, a practice that is also legal in some sub-national jurisdictions in the United States and Australia. Several other countries allow its medicinal use as a pain reliever. Cannabis is illegal for minors, and its consumption near schools and sports fields is also illegal.
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