Germany to legalize cannabis for recreational purposes; first in Europe

• Image Credit: CNBC

• Oct 28, 2022 | Kabir Chakraborty

Last year, the coalition government agreed to introduce and allow the controlled distribution of cannabis in licensed shops during its four-year term. color:#252525">

color:#252525">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.

color:#252525">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.

color:#252525">Last year, the coalition government agreed to introduce and allow the controlled distribution of cannabis in licensed shops
during its four-year term.

color:#252525">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.

color:#252525">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.

color:#252525"> The government will also introduce a special consumption
tax and develop cannabis-related education and abuse prevention programs.

color:#252525">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.

color:#252525">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.

color:#252525">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.