Germany Continues Push Toward Legal Cannabis

Germany’s ruling coalition has approved a revised plan to decriminalize personal cannabis use, a substantial step towards potential broader legalization in Europe’s largest economy.

The draft legislation, supported by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s cabinet, permits adults to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and cultivate up to three plants for personal use, reports DW. Cannabis cultivation on a non-commercial basis in associations or cooperatives with up to 500 members is also allowed. The law’s social impact will be assessed after four years.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, a GCT Top 100 of Cannabis winner for governance, considers this a turning point from an unsuccessful cannabis policy and aims to reduce the black market, drug-related crime, and overall consumption.

The legislation, anticipated to be approved by year-end, follows Germany’s ambition for broader legalization but scaled back after consultations with the European Union. While Germany leads in medical cannabis markets, critics raise concerns about potential health risks for young people and increased burdens on law enforcement and the justice system. Data suggests Germany’s cannabis market could reach €2.1 billion in annual sales by 2027, with medical cannabis consumption projected to rise significantly across Europe.

Germany’s move towards cannabis legalization may have a broader impact as other European countries could follow suit, Global Cannabis Times reported in July. The Czech Republic, for example, has already expressed its intention to legalize cannabis following Germany’s lead. And Switzerland’s SCRIPT project (Safer Cannabis – Research in Pharmacies Trial) will examine the health and social effects of regulated cannabis sales beginning this fall.

The establishment of regional pilot projects in Germany may also encourage other EU countries to explore controlled sale of cannabis products and evaluate the effects of full legalization. Ultimately, the regulation of recreational cannabis sales within member countries will be subject to EU review.