German Parliament Approves Cannabis Legalization

After a heated debate, the Bundestag passed the Cannabis Act on Friday. Among other things, the law provides for the decriminalization of users. Whether it can come into force as planned on April 1 remains to be seen. The law is expected to be finally approved in the Bundesrat on March 22. While not subject to approval, the federal states could potentially call for the mediation committee with the Bundestag to slow down the process. Bavaria had already announced its intention to do so.

Health Minister Lauterbach advocates for bill In the final debate in the Bundestag, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) advocated for the controversial bill. According to his words, the partial legalization aims to limit risks and push back the black market. In an interview with NDR Info, the SPD politician said that the current cannabis policy had failed across the board. There are steadily increasing consumption rates, a thriving black market, associated crime, and uncertain product adulteration as well as toxic concentrations. His goal is also to educate children and adolescents about the dangers of cannabis consumption. “With legalization, we are taking cannabis out of the taboo zone,” Lauterbach said. From April 1, cultivation and possession of certain amounts for personal use by adults will be allowed.