Germany’s upper house of parliament, the Bundesrat, has approved a bill to legalize recreational cannabis use for adults
The bill is now expected to pass the lower house, the Bundestag, and be signed into law by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. If approved, Germany would become the first major European country to legalize recreational cannabis use. The bill would allow adults to purchase and possess up to 30 grams of cannabis for personal use. It would also create a system for licensing and regulating the production and sale of cannabis. The legalization of recreational cannabis in Germany is a major victory for the cannabis industry and cannabis activists. It is also a significant step towards the global legalization of cannabis.
The Bundesrat, Germany’s upper house of parliament, has approved a bill that would allow adults to purchase and possess up to 30 grams of cannabis for personal use1. The bill also includes provisions for licensing and regulating the production and sale of cannabis1.
If the bill passes the lower house, the Bundestag, and is signed into law by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany would become the first major European country to legalize recreational cannabis use1. This move is seen as a major victory for the cannabis industry and activists, and it represents a substantial step towards the global legalization of cannabis1.
The bill is expected to take effect in April 2024, with provisions for adult possession and home cultivation starting then. Social clubs that could distribute marijuana to members could start to open in July1. The revised bill also includes relaxed penalties for possessing slightly over the allowable cannabis amount, changing it from a criminal offense to an administrative violation for 25 to 30 grams2.
This legislative change in Germany reflects a growing trend towards the liberalization of cannabis laws in various parts of the world. It’s a historic step that could have far-reaching implications for the cannabis industry and drug policy reform internationally12.
For more detailed information on the bill and its implications, you can refer to the latest news articles and official statements from German lawmakers12.
Learn more:
1. hightimes.com2. msn.com3. marijuanamoment.net4. benzinga.com5. news.sky.com6. cannabisnewswire.com7. cannabisbusinesstimes.com8. politico.eu9. marijuanamoment.net10. marijuanamoment.net— see less
The announcement regarding the legalization of recreational cannabis use in Germany was made on August 16, 2023, when the draft bill was unveiled by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach after it was approved by the German Cabinet1. The bill is expected to pass the lower house, the Bundestag, and be signed into law by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, with the aim of legalizing cannabis for adult use21.
Learn more:
1. dw.com2. sanitygroup.com3. bbc.com4. iamexpat.de5. cnbc.com
key dates related to the legalization of recreational cannabis use in Germany:
- Draft Bill Unveiled: The draft bill was unveiled by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach on August 16, 2023, after it was approved by the German Cabinet1.
- Bundesrat Approval: The Bundesrat, Germany’s upper house of parliament, approved the bill in late September 20232.
- Bundestag Vote: The Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament, had its first reading of the bill in October 2023, with the final vote scheduled for December 20233.
- Expected Effective Date: If the bill is passed and signed into law, it is expected to take effect in April 20244.
These dates mark significant milestones in the process of legalizing recreational cannabis use in Germany and reflect the country’s progressive approach towards cannabis legislation421. If you need more information or have any other questions, feel free to ask!
Learn more:
1. businessofcannabis.com2. en.wikipedia.org3. marijuanamoment.net4. sanitygroup.com5. hightimes.com6. mjbizdaily.com7. dw.com8. bbc.com9. iamexpat.de10. politico.eu11. marijuanamoment.net12. marijuanamoment.net13. media.gettyimages.com