Germany plans to present its proposal to the European Commission and will create a law once it receives approval. This would include allowing a limited capacity of private self-cultivation. In an effort to legalize cannabis, the German government will create an education program to teach people about abuse prevention, provide general cannabis-related knowledge, and implement a consumption tax. Legalization is expected to generate $4.7 billion and create 27,000 new jobs.
To implement the legalization, there are a lot of questions and concerns that need to be addressed before authorization. A major roadblock for Germany is space to grow enough cannabis to meet consumer demand. This would require Germany to allow international sales to official businesses, in order to put the black market cannabis out of business. German officials have contemplated having outside countries go through a lengthy certification process to be allowed to grow and distribute their products in Germany.
This proposal has not been accepted by all of Germany’s federal states. Bavaria’s Health Minister has openly voiced his concerns about not allowing Germany to become a drug destination for tourists in Europe. Others believe Germany and other EU countries should band together to create cannabis policies and laws that could be incorporated internationally. Germany will continue to be meticulous in its proposal to legalize cannabis, which will be transparent as it outlines its laws and regulations.
Sources:
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-legalize-cannabis-use-recreational-purposes-2022-10-26/
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/26/germany-to-legalize-cannabis-use-for-recreational-purposes.html
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/25/germany-europe-weed-legalization-00070469
