In a historic move, Germany’s chief legislative body has decided to legalize personal use of recreational cannabis. The country has an estimated 4.5 million users.
The law passed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition will enable citizens over 18 years of age to possess up to 25 grams in public spaces and cultivate up to three plants. Lawmakers in the Bundestag voted 407 to 226 in favour of the new legislation, which is set to come into effect in April.
Despite the immense significance of the vote, the law will still need to pass through discussions in the nation’s Bundesrat or upper house of government.
The law’s authorization is not dependent on approval from the Bundesrat. But, if more than two-thirds of the members object, its implementation could be delayed for further negotiation. The nation’s Social Democratic Party explained this in a statement sent to EuroNews.
Germany has now become the third country in Europe to permit adult-use pot after Malta and Luxembourg. However, the new legal measure doesn’t implement any sort of distribution or retail sales framework.
“We have two goals: to crack down on the black market and improve protection of children and young people,” German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said. He emphasized the importance of not letting tainted cannabis get into the hands of youth.
Germany's Bundestag has voted to legalise cannabis from 1 April 2024.
The draft bill will now go to the Bundesrat. pic.twitter.com/FlsJl6yp3W
— German Embassy London (@GermanEmbassy) February 23, 2024
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Groundwork laid for cannabis ‘social clubs’
If all goes according to plan, German citizens will be able to purchase cannabis from designated community social clubs as of Jul. 1. The next step for the country’s government will be to focus on distribution infrastructure.
The move received praise from Canada’s High Tide Inc. (Nasdaq: HITI) (TSX-V: HITI). The company has been closely monitoring the legal developments related to cannabis in the country. It aims to become a significant player in Germany’s domestic market.
“The passage of this bill is a historic moment as it makes Germany the second G7 country to legalize the consumption and private cultivation of cannabis for recreational purposes by adults,” High Tide CEO Raj Grover said.
“It sets the stage for the government to move forward with the second pillar of its plan, which aims to set up regional adult use pilot projects focused on cannabis specialty shops.”
rowan@mugglehead.com
Brian Kelly
February 25, 2024 at 3:18 am
Legalize federally now. What’s legal to possess and consume in over half of the populated areas of The United States should not make you a criminal in states still being governed by woefully ignorant prohibitionist politicians.
Cannabis consumers in all states deserve and demand equal rights and protections under our laws that are currently afforded to the drinkers of far more dangerous and deadly, yet perfectly legal, widely accepted, endlessly advertised and even glorified as an All-American pastime, alcohol.
Plain and simple!
Legalize Nationwide Federally Now!
The “War on Cannabis” has been a complete and utter failure. It is the largest component of the broader yet equally unsuccessful “War on Drugs” that has cost our country over a trillion dollars.
Instead of The United States wasting Billions upon Billions more of our yearly tax dollars fighting a never ending “War on Cannabis”, lets generate Billions of dollars, and improve the deficit instead. Especially now, due to Covid-19. It’s a no brainer.
The Prohibition of Cannabis has also ruined the lives of many of our loved ones. In numbers greater than any other nation, our loved ones are being sent to jail and are being given permanent criminal records. Especially, if they happen to be of the “wrong” skin color or they happen to be from the “wrong” neighborhood. Which ruin their chances of employment for the rest of their lives, and for what reason?
Cannabis is much safer to consume than alcohol. Yet do we lock people up for choosing to drink?
Let’s end this hypocrisy now!
The government should never attempt to legislate morality by creating victim-less cannabis “crimes” because it simply does not work and costs the taxpayers a fortune.
Cannabis Legalization Nationwide is an inevitable reality that’s approaching much sooner than prohibitionists think and there is nothing they can do to stop it!
Legalize Nationwide Federally Now! Support Each and Every Cannabis Legalization Initiative!