At long last, Germany is moving forward with legal marijuana. A blueprint of the reform was leaked through RND newspaper group and translated by Politico, stating that marijuana will be decriminalized, allowing for its purchase, possession, and cultivation. Any advertising promoting cannabis would be banned.
Under Germany’s plan, adults will be able to purchase up to 20 grams of marijuana sold in shops. There’s a chance they could also be sold in pharmacies and specialty shops like coffee houses.
Some of the limitations include the fact that marijuana will have a THC limit of 15%. In the case of young adults, aged 18 to 21, they will be able to purchase marijuana with a 10% limit of THC, which seems like an intelligent if conservative way of avoiding some of the harshest criticism that exists against cannabis on a global scale.
The plan also makes it clear that cannabis sold in Germany must be produced domestically, sidestepping international law and avoiding conflict.
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While many are celebrating Germany’s decision, several German politicians have considered the plan too restrictive. Kristine Lütke, the drug policy speaker of the Free Democratic Liberal Party, said that some of the restrictions would drive people to the black market.
“A disaster for youth, health & consumer protection,” she tweeted.
Germany’s decision to legalize marijuana has long been awaited, with the government delivering a promise that was made a year ago. It’s also a decision that’s been analyzed by experts, representing a significant step for marijuana in the European Union and the world. Germany is the EU’s largest economy and a determinant of how various countries will react.
Earlier this year, The Guardian spoke with several experts who provided their opinions on why legal marijuana in Germany was a game changer.
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“There will be a domino effect, for sure,” said Justin Haucap, director of the Dusseldorf Institute for Competition Economics. “European countries that have a much bigger problem with illegal cannabis use, like France, are watching very closely what Germany is doing at the moment.”
