Medical cannabis is legal in Germany. However, there are some concerns about its use in the country. The national pharmacists’ association has warned of potential health risks. And some regional officials are worried about the potential growth of drug tourism. Some countries are already legalizing cannabis, including the Netherlands. The Netherlands, for instance, allows coffee shops to sell cannabis under strict conditions.
Medical Cannabis Is Legal In Germany
In March 2017, the German government approved a bill to legalize medical marijuana for specific medical conditions. The government wants to regulate the cultivation and distribution of marijuana, so patients can be assured of a high-quality product. This quality control includes the use of specific laboratories to check pesticides and insecticides, as well as THC levels.
In Germany, cannabis products cannot be sold directly to consumers, so obtaining a prescription is necessary. Moreover, the products must meet pharmaceutical quality standards and European Good Manufacturing Practices, and cultivation must follow good agricultural and collection practices. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) regulates the production and distribution of cannabis in the country.
Until now, only licensed pharmacies in Germany could sell medicinal cannabis products, so the German government has paved the way for more businesses. Now, doctors can prescribe cannabis extracts and flowers to seriously ill patients, and the costs of these therapies are generally covered by health insurance. In the past two years, demand for medicinal cannabis has tripled, creating a new market in the country. Unlike other forms of medicine, the commercialization of cannabis does not incur any special taxes.
The German government has launched a consultation process that included health experts, economists, and cannabis growers. After the consultations, a draft bill should be finalized by the second half of 2022. The new legalization of medical cannabis in Germany could set the stage for other European countries to follow suit.
In addition to medical cannabis, the German government has legalized hemp and CBD oil with a THC content below 0.2%. The German government has also made it possible for citizens to cultivate plants at home. According to the latest survey, 13,000 people used cannabis in March 2017. Most insurance companies cover the costs of medical cannabis and CBD oil.
The cultivation of cannabis is subject to authorization. In addition, it is also legal to import and sell medicinal cannabis. However, all business activities involving the cultivation and distribution of cannabis must have authorization under the German Narcotics Act. This process is carried out through tenders. This legalization also extends to cultivating industrial cannabis, provided that the THC content of the cannabis is below 0.2%.
The German government has established the Cannabis Agency, a subdivision of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, to regulate the production of cannabis. The agency oversees the cultivation, harvest, quality control, storage, and distribution to pharmacies and wholesalers. In Germany, medical cannabis is still prohibited for recreational use, but it is legal for certain medical uses.
The German legislator also made changes to national narcotic laws and other related provisions, making it legal for medical purposes. In addition, it created bodies and guidelines to regulate the cannabis industry. Despite these changes, the drug is still classified as a narcotic drug. It can only be marketed in Germany under strict legal conditions.
Health Risks
Legalizing recreational cannabis in Germany has generated a lot of debate. There are still many questions to be answered before the first joint can be legally sold in the country. One of the questions that surround cannabis use is whether it has a negative impact on the public’s health. To answer this question, Burkhard Blienert, the German commissioner for narcotic drugs, will hold five talks with over 200 stakeholders. The meetings will include representatives from cannabis associations, doctors, and addiction specialists. The results of these discussions are expected to be presented in the autumn.
A number of experts have warned of the risks of marijuana consumption. The German government has approved a reform plan to legalize marijuana. However, the fate of this legislation is dependent on European and international policy. The plan will be submitted to the European Commission for review. The Health Minister, however, said that the reform proposal was not a major step forward for drug policy in Germany.
The proposed regulations allow for the home growing of cannabis, although only up to three plants would be allowed. In addition, the sale of cannabis would only be allowed in licensed shops and pharmacies. The new regulations would also restrict advertising for cannabis. The government hopes that the new law will encourage the use of cannabis by adults rather than young people.
However, this new legalization of cannabis is not without its risks. The conservative government of Bavaria has criticized the move, warning that legalization would encourage “drug tourism” in the country. Meanwhile, the Netherlands tolerates cannabis use in coffee shops, but commercial cultivation is still illegal. Swiss law, on the other hand, decriminalizes the possession of cannabis below one percent THC. It also legalizes medical cannabis.
Despite the new law in Germany, many people continue to have doubts about marijuana. Although marijuana is legal in Germany, the supply chain must be regulated, as the Dutch model did not include legal procurement. A client wants to keep track of the whole supply chain. This is a significant step forward for the legalization of weed in Germany.
While the Netherlands and several other European countries have legalized cannabis for medical purposes, the Netherlands and Germany are the only countries in Europe where it is still illegal for personal use. The law allows for possession of seven grams or four plants. The Netherlands, on the other hand, has decriminalized cannabis. Its laws also allow for the sale of small amounts in coffee shops.
The national pharmacists’ association has warned about the risks of legalizing cannabis in Germany, and some regional officials have expressed concerns about drug tourism in Germany. However, this hasn’t deterred the government from introducing a consumption tax for recreational cannabis.
Opposition To Legalization
Legalizing weed in Germany faces an uphill battle. It would require the approval of the Bundesrat, the upper house of parliament, and the consent of all 16 federal states. The CDU, the main opposition party, has long opposed legalization. It will be interesting to see how the debate develops over the coming months.
Opponents of legalization have various reasons, some of which are based on economic concerns. One group has proposed taxing cannabis, as cigarettes do, in order to raise money for the federal government. Another group wants to reduce the criminality associated with drug use and wants to impose stricter regulations on dispensaries.
A recent survey found that a majority of German voters oppose the legalization of weed, although that percentage is improving compared to a year ago. Opposition is more pronounced among women, those living in eastern Germany, and those who are older. Opposition to legalization is also higher among CDU/CSU voters, while support is highest among Green and Left Party supporters.
The government also faces a number of challenges, including dealing with the complexities of EU law and establishing a legal pathway for cannabis imports. Despite these challenges, German officials should remain mindful of the tax burden on consumers and balance that with the benefits of the legalization process. In the meantime, they should be inspired by the examples of Uruguay and Canada, which have both legalized the drug.
The government of Germany has stated its intention to legalize cannabis in the coming year. But in the meantime, despite the government’s best intentions, the country has been extremely strict on cannabis. It has also enacted several laws and policies that restrict the cultivation of weed.
Legalizing weed in Germany would require the alignment of federal states. The federal government will also need to consider the tax implications. This would create a tangled political landscape for cannabis in Germany. This means that it is highly unlikely that legalization will be implemented in the near future.
German lawmakers have been mulling over the proposal for legalizing cannabis for adult use. In the meantime, several European countries have decriminalized the drug, while others have legalized it for medical purposes. France, on the other hand, has one of the strictest cannabis laws in Europe. The government’s new proposal would essentially allow any adult to legally possess 20-30 grams of the drug. The government also plans to license producers of cannabis to grow and sell the substance.
