Leaked Document Outlines Cannabis Legalization Plans in Germany
A leaked document has revealed key details about the upcoming legalization of cannabis in Germany. The document discusses the possibility of purchasing and possessing up to 20 grams of cannabis from the age of 18, as well as growing up to two plants at home with a license. Advertising and importation of cannabis products will be prohibited.
Key Points from the Document
- Purchase and possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis will be allowed for adults aged 18 and over.
- Home cultivation will be limited to two plants, but a permit will be required.
- Cannabis products will be sold in licensed stores and pharmacies, with THC content limits: 15% for adults over 21, and up to 10% for those aged 18 to 21.
- Unlicensed sale of cannabis will be prosecuted.
- All marketing and advertising of cannabis products will be banned, and dispensaries must be located away from schools and youth facilities.
- Recreational cannabis sold in Germany must be grown and produced domestically; importing cannabis products will be prohibited.
- Cannabis users under 18 found in possession will not face criminal charges.
- A “cannabis tax” based on THC content is planned.
The proposals appear to align with the coalition government’s main priorities: public health and safety, protecting minors, and combating the illegal market. These are the arguments put forward by the new government for legalizing recreational cannabis in Germany, a move first announced at the end of 2021.
Concerns from the Cannabis Industry
However, some key details may contradict the government’s good intentions to regulate the recreational cannabis industry. Niklas Kouparanis, CEO and co-founder of Bloomwell Group—one of Germany’s largest medical cannabis companies—explained that the THC limit could create problems for the legal market, as most consumers prefer products with higher THC levels. His colleague, Anna-Sophia Kouparanis, also pointed out that the draft law does not regulate THC levels in homegrown cannabis.
Niklas Kouparanis also noted that it is unclear whether the 20-gram possession limit applies to home cultivation, where a harvest could yield more than the allowed amount.
Import Ban and Supply Chain Challenges
One of the most controversial details in the leaked document is the decision to prohibit cannabis imports. This move, justified by EU laws banning drug trafficking, could undermine Germany’s cannabis supply chain. Currently, domestic production does not meet the country’s needs. For example, in 2020, Germany imported about 20 tons of medical cannabis but produced only 2.6 tons. In this context, domestic cannabis production in Germany would need to increase significantly and rapidly to meet the expected demand of at least 400 tons per year for the upcoming recreational market.
It remains uncertain whether the European Commission will allow Germany to legalize recreational cannabis at all. The German government is currently preparing documents to present to the EU to justify its decision to regulate adult cannabis sales, as Germany is bound by European and international agreements that currently prohibit the legalization of recreational cannabis.