Last year, the coalition government agreed to introduce and allow the controlled distribution of cannabis in licensed shops during its four-year term.
Digital Desk: Germany is set to legalize cannabis, a move that
the government said would make Germany one of the first countries in Europe to
do so.
Karl Lauterbach, Minister of Health, presented a foundational
paper on proposed legislation to regulate the controlled distribution and
consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes among adults.
Last year, the coalition government agreed to introduce and allow the controlled distribution of cannabis in licensed shops
during its four-year term.
Lauterbach did not provide a timetable for the plan. Many
countries in the region, including Germany, have already legalized cannabis for
limited medical purposes. Others have decriminalized its general use without
making it legal.
According to the paper, private self-cultivation would be
permitted to a limited extent. Ongoing investigations and criminal proceedings
related to cases that are no longer illegal would be terminated.
The government will also introduce a special consumption
tax and develop cannabis-related education and abuse prevention programs.
According to a survey conducted last year, legalizing cannabis
could result in annual tax revenues and cost savings of approximately 4.7
billion euros ($4.7 billion), as well as the creation of 27,000 new jobs.
Lauterbach said that 4 million people in Germany consumed
cannabis last year, with 25% of them being between the ages of 18 and 24, and
that legalization would squeeze out the cannabis black market.
According to the minister, Germany will submit the paper to the
European Commission for preliminary review and will only draught legislation if
the Commission approves the plan.
Continue Reading
