In Germany, despite criticism from representatives of a number of states and the medical community, a bill on the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis, previously approved by the Bundestag, passed through the Bundesrat, within the framework of which, from April 1, it will be allowed to store and grow this drug, the voting result was announced by the chairman of the department, Manuela Schwesig.
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The vote of the representation of the German states, broadcast on the department’s website, was for or against sending the bill for additional approval to a committee of the German parliament, but in favor of such a step it was not possible to obtain the required number of votes. “This is a minority, so voting in the committee is eliminated,” Schwesig stated. Thus, the law on the legalization of cannabis has passed the final stage and will come into force on April 1.
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German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said ahead of the vote that if the new law failed to be passed, it would be “a great day for the black market.” Representatives of a number of federal states, in turn, expressed sharp criticism against legalization.
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For example, the Bavarian Minister of Health Judith Gerlach (CSU) noted that the thesis regarding the black market is incorrect.
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“The fact is that cannabis on the black market will be cheaper… in addition, cannabis with a higher cannabinoid composition will be offered on the black market… and also the illegal market will profit because it will still be impossible to prove the origin of cannabis , which can now be owned legally,” she noted.
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Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer also spoke out against it, saying he would never support drug legalization. “I’ve seen so many people become so seriously ill due to drug abuse… that they could never return to a normal life. And I’ve talked to a lot of doctors who have warned against going down that road.” he said, adding that he considers this move a Pandora’s box that can never be closed.
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Previously, the bill was also criticized by a number of medical associations and the opposition, who believe that legalization will only worsen the problem of drug addiction in the country.
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Last year, the German government presented plans to legalize cannabis in the country. According to the bill, drug users over the age of 18 will not be criminally liable for possession of cannabis weighing up to 25 grams and growing up to three plants. In addition, from July 1, the plant can be grown for personal consumption in special associations of up to 500 people; members of such associations will be allowed to collectively grow the drug and distribute it among themselves. Distribution to members of such organizations should be limited to 25 grams per day and 50 grams per month. The federal states, however, will have to decide for themselves whether to allow the creation of such cultivation groups.
According to German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, the bill is aimed at combating the gray market, the rise in crime and cannabis use.
