Germany’s Top Health Official Karl Lauterbach] Germany’s top health official, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, has defended the marijuana legalization bill against critics ahead of next week’s vote in the Bundestag, the country’s lower house of parliament. The bill is expected to pass, making Germany the first major European country to legalize recreational marijuana use. Lauterbach has been a vocal proponent of legalization, arguing that it will help to regulate the marijuana market, reduce its appeal to young people, and generate tax revenue. He has also said that legalization is necessary to protect the rights of marijuana users. Critics of the bill have argued that it will lead to increased marijuana use, particularly among young people. They have also expressed concerns about the potential for marijuana to have negative impacts on mental health and addiction. The bill is expected to pass the Bundestag with the support of the coalition government, which includes the Social Democrats, the Greens, and the Free Democrats. The opposition Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union has said that it will oppose the bill. If the bill passes the Bundestag, it will then need to be approved by the Bundesrat, the country’s upper house of parliament. The Bundesrat is made up of representatives from the sixteen states of Germany, and it is possible that the bill could be blocked by states that oppose legalization. However, it is generally considered to be likely that the bill will ultimately pass into law. If it does, Germany will become the first major European country to legalize recreational marijuana use. The legalization of marijuana in Germany is a significant development that is likely to have a ripple effect across Europe. It could lead to other countries legalizing marijuana, and it could also change the way that marijuana is regulated and taxed in Europe.

Germany is on the path to becoming the first major European country to legalize recreational marijuana use. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has been a strong advocate for the bill, emphasizing that it aims to regulate the market, reduce appeal to the youth, and generate tax revenue, while also protecting the rights of users¹. The bill proposes allowing adults over 18 to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and to cultivate up to three plants for personal use¹.

The Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament, is expected to vote on the bill soon, with the coalition government supporting it. However, the opposition party, the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union, has expressed opposition¹. If the bill passes the Bundestag, it will move to the Bundesrat for approval, where it could face challenges from states that are against legalization¹.

The bill’s passage could indeed have a significant impact on Europe’s approach to marijuana regulation and taxation, potentially influencing other countries to consider similar legislation¹. It’s a historic moment in drug policy reform, and many are watching closely to see the outcome of this legislative effort in Germany.

Learn more:

1. dw.com2. iamexpat.de3. cnbc.com

• Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has described the draft bill as a “turning point” in policies on cannabis, which he believes have “unfortunately failed” in the past¹.
• The bill aims to curb the black market and drug-related criminality, trade with adulterated or toxic substances, and the number of consumers¹.
• A key element of the bill is the protection of children and teenagers, with a youth information campaign titled “Legal, but…” to be launched by the Health Ministry¹.
• Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir has called the draft legislation “a significant step toward a progressive, reality-based drugs policy” and believes it will decriminalize many people who use cannabis solely for private purposes¹.
• The draft law would allow people over 18 to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and to cultivate up to three plants for personal use¹.
• The bill also introduces Cannabis Social Clubs (CSC), where a maximum of 500 members can supply themselves and fellow members with marijuana grown from their own plants².
• These clubs will have restrictions, such as not being within 200 meters of schools, day care centers, or kindergartens, and members will not be permitted to consume cannabis on the clubs’ premises or within 200 meters of the location¹.
• Initially, the government plans to establish a state-controlled supply chain from cultivation to delivery and sale, with commercial sales to be tested in specific regions².
• If the bill passes the Bundestag and Bundesrat, Germany will become the first major European country to legalize recreational marijuana use, with potential implications for the rest of Europe¹.

The bill is a comprehensive approach to reforming drug policy in Germany, with a focus on regulation, safety, and reducing illegal activities associated with cannabis. It’s a historic step that could pave the way for similar legislation in other European countries.

Learn more:

1. dw.com2. iamexpat.de3. bbc.com4. cnbc.com5. france24.com

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