Germany Moves Closer to Cannabis Legalization with Draft Bill Release

Germany's government has released a draft bill to push the legalization of cannabis, marking the first step towards dismantling prohibition policies. The proposed legislation focuses on the first pillar of a two-pillar model and allows adults aged 18 and above to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and cultivate three plants for personal use. However, consuming cannabis near individuals under 18 or in certain public areas remains prohibited.

The draft bill also introduces the concept of cannabis growers' associations, which can have up to 500 members and supply them with a specified amount of cannabis per day or month. The associations are prohibited from advertising or sponsoring their activities.

The significant change in the draft bill is the removal of cannabis from narcotics laws, providing more flexibility for the medical cannabis industry. The second pillar of the legalization model, which involves regional pilot projects with commercial supply chains, will be published in the second half of 2023 after review by the European Commission.