First German Legalization Measure Reading In The Bundestag Scheduled For Wednesday
A long-awaited reading of Germany’s national adult-use cannabis legalization measure was originally scheduled for today, however, it was reportedly delayed due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The measure is now scheduled to be read on Wednesday, October 18th at 6 p.m. CET.
Der neue Termin für die erste Lesung steht: Diesen Mittwoch, 18.10., ab 18 Uhr. https://t.co/hZHwrKKIy0
— Hanfverband (@hanfverband) October 16, 2023
The legalization measure being considered by the Bundestag was originally introduced by Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach earlier this year after extensive discussions with the European Union. Initially, it was hoped that the EU would permit regulated sales to adults nationwide.
Unfortunately, the EU’s position is that such a model runs contrary to continental agreements.
What was ultimately introduced was a multi-phased plan, with the first phase involving the legalization of personal cultivation, possession, and consumption. The measure would also create noncommercial clubs that would provide cannabis to members.
Purchasing limits would be involved, as would ‘buffer zones,’ limits on the number of clubs per jurisdiction, and a limit of 500 members per club. Those provisions are now being considered by national lawmakers.
Back in August, Germany’s federal cabinet approved the measure:
Die derzeitige Cannabis-Drogenpolitik ist gescheitert, sagt Bundesgesundheitsminister @Karl_Lauterbach im @heutejournal und verteidigt seine Pläne zu teilweisen Legalisierung von #Cannabis.
Das Interview in der ZDF-Mediathek. Lauterbach zur Cannabis-Politik – ZDFmediathek pic.twitter.com/lJHrasZWgU— ZDF heute journal (@heutejournal) August 16, 2023
Earlier this month cannabis opponents in Germany’s other legislative body, the Federal Council (or Bundesrat), failed to block the measure from proceeding to the Bundestag for consideration.
Several members of the Bundestag have expressed a desire to change some of the provisions of Minister Lauterbach’s measure, and it will be very interesting to see how the measure evolves now that it is being considered by the chamber.