Legislation: Lauterbach presents key points for cannabis legalization

Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD) has presented key points for the planned controlled legalization of cannabis: According to this, the purchase and possession of 20 grams of cannabis from the age of 18 should in principle be exempt from punishment.

Legislation: Lauterbach presents key points for cannabis legalization

Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD) has presented key points for the planned controlled legalization of cannabis: According to this, the purchase and possession of 20 grams of cannabis from the age of 18 should in principle be exempt from punishment.

This is reported by the editorial network Germany (RND), citing the key points available to it, which are currently being coordinated between the federal government ministries. After that, the self-cultivation of up to two cannabis plants should also be allowed. The amount of the intoxicating substance THC in legalized cannabis should not exceed 15 percent.

In order to prevent "cannabis-related brain damage", however, only products with a maximum THC content of 10 percent should be sold to young people between 18 and 21 years of age, it said. The possession limit of 20 grams of cannabis should apply regardless of the origin of the cannabis product and the THC content. In principle, cannabis should no longer be legally classified as a narcotic.

If young people under the age of 18 were caught with cannabis, impunity also applies. However, according to the key points, the youth welfare offices could oblige young people to take part in prevention courses in these cases. In addition, the cannabis carried is then confiscated.

General advertising ban

The locations of cannabis shops are to be regulated: there should be minimum distances from schools, children's and youth facilities. Despite the legalization, it should remain prohibited to advertise cannabis products. According to the RND, there is a general ban on advertising. According to the key points, consideration is being given to not only allowing sales in licensed shops, but also in pharmacies. In this way, the black market could be fought better because of the broader range, especially in rural areas.

Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) had announced cannabis legalization for the coming year just over a month ago. However, the federal drug commissioner Burkhard Blienert said in July that it was unlikely that the law on cannabis legalization would come into force before 2024. The traffic light coalition will present a draft for this at the end of this year or early next year.

Lauterbach said in late June that around four million adults were using cannabis. There is a large black market and organized crime in these areas. In addition, impurities can be observed, some of which are also added to convert people from cannabis to other drugs. "Cannabis consumption in moderation, well secured, in quality and without acquisitive crime is something that has to be accepted and is part of a modern society."

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