Germany has recently embarked on an ambitious endeavor to legalize cannabis, with the aspiration of being a trendsetter across the European continent. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, in a press conference held in Berlin, declared the country’s determination to inaugurate the most liberal yet remarkably regulated cannabis market in Europe. The draft legislation, if enacted, would authorize adults to procure and retain up to 30g of cannabis for recreational purposes. It would also permit them to nurture up to three cannabis plants privately for their use. In addition to this, the proposal would grant rights to licensed outlets to legally sell cannabis, thereby formalizing and controlling the existing unregulated market. The focus of the proposed legislation is not only to liberalize cannabis use but also to ensure that its distribution is controlled and regulated, avoiding the pitfalls of an unchecked market. Lauterbach elaborated on the primary goal of the legislation, highlighting its focus on the protection of young people. Often, these individuals turn to unregulated, illicit markets to obtain cannabis, exposing them to numerous risks and potential legal consequences. Lauterbach revealed alarming statistics, indicating that a quarter of the estimated four million cannabis users in Germany during the previous year were aged between 18 and 24. The proposed legislation aims to control this issue, providing a safer and more regulated alternative to the currently prevalent black market. Although the minister refrained from providing an exact timeline for the implementation of the legislation, he suggested that the law, which would make Germany the second EU nation to legalize cannabis following Malta, would likely not be instituted before 2024. This move follows a broader trend within Europe, where several countries, Germany included, legalized cannabis for specific medicinal applications in 2017. However, it is important to note that these countries have primarily decriminalized rather than completely legalized general cannabis use, marking a significant distinction from the comprehensive legislation being proposed by Germany. The proposed legislation has won the approval of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government but still requires the consent of the EU. The government plans to present its legislative proposal to the European Commission in the coming week, soliciting their opinion. The government also intends to levy a consumption tax on cannabis. According to a survey conducted last year, this legislation could potentially result in an annual generation of tax revenue and cost savings totalling 4.7 billion euros. Health Minister Lauterbach, who has previously expressed reservations about cannabis legislation, criticized the existing system for its inability to control consumption effectively and its inadvertent encouragement of an expanding illegal market. He clarified that Germany’s aim is not to follow the Netherlands’ model of decriminalization with minimal market regulation. Instead, the proposed law strictly prohibits cannabis outlets from selling alcohol or tobacco or operating in close proximity to schools. While it does not plan to regulate prices, it intends to set quality standards to ensure consumer safety. Reactions to this legislative proposal have been mixed. The German Pharmacists’ Association aired concerns over potential health risks associated with the legalization of cannabis, and the potential conflict this might pose for pharmacies. On the other hand, Lars Mueller, CEO of SynBiotic, a cannabis company, praised the decision. He compared the potential impact of this legislation on his company to winning the lottery, highlighting the significant positive implications for businesses in the industry.