Germany to Permit Recreational Cannabis Sales as Part of Experimental Program
The German government is planning to allow the sale of recreational cannabis as part of an experimental program, aiming to accelerate the launch of products containing cannabinoids intended for recreational use.
Legislative Reform Will Not Be Delayed
Initially, German authorities intended to develop and pass a law next year regarding the commercial use of recreational cannabis as part of the second phase of legalization. However, officials have abandoned this plan in favor of testing the cannabis supply chain, likely following the model of pilot programs launched in the Netherlands in 2023.
A decree that took effect on April 1 removed cannabis from the list of narcotics in Germany and legalized the possession, cultivation, and use of cannabis by citizens, as well as the distribution of marijuana through a network of clubs set to open on July 1. This has given the government the opportunity to legalize cannabis sales for experimental purposes, and officials have decided to take advantage of it.
Germany Celebrates Cannabis Legalization
The German Ministry of Agriculture plans to develop a set of regulations governing the circulation of recreational cannabis. It appears the ministry will issue commercial licenses for the cultivation, processing, and sale of cannabis as part of the pilot program. Until May 10, the Ministry of Agriculture is accepting feedback from other officials regarding the initiative and will implement it taking these recommendations into account.
Public Demand for Legal Cannabis Sales
The German government has chosen to launch cannabis sales as soon as possible, likely due to increased public pressure following the partial legalization of marijuana. In April, representatives from the Ministry of Health announced the start of work on a project related to opening cannabis stores. Christine Lütke, a member of the Free Democratic Party, stated that the legalization of cannabis has shifted drug policy in a more liberal direction.
Christine Lütke’s Position
Lütke is convinced of the need to commercialize cannabis and hopes that Health Minister Karl Lauterbach will address this issue. However, she acknowledged that the proposal to legalize marijuana sales will face strong resistance in the Bundesrat, whose members previously tried to block the lifting of the ban on cannabis possession and cultivation. By launching the experiment through ministerial orders, Lauterbach and other legalization supporters can avoid these obstacles and quickly start cannabis sales.