The traffic light wants to promote the legalization of cannabis. Since the hurdles are particularly high in EU institutions, a study should help to substantiate the arguments of the federal government. The black market should be pushed back, consumption should not increase and children and young people should be better protected.
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach wants to secure the plans for a controlled legalization of cannabis with an expert opinion. In confidential talks with the EU Commission, it has become apparent that “very good arguments” are needed to convince them of the path they have taken, said the SPD politician in Berlin.
In addition to the preparations for the law, a scientific report should therefore be commissioned. The achievability of the goals of pushing back the black market and at the same time not expanding consumption as a whole and achieving better child and youth protection should be made clear. Lauterbach said he was firmly convinced that this could be presented on the basis of the report. There will be no delays as a result. The draft law is expected to be ready by the end of the first quarter of 2023. If things go well, he could then come to the Bundestag in the second half of the year.
At the end of October, the cabinet decided on the key points for the controlled delivery planned by the coalition. Cannabis and the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) should therefore no longer be legally classified as narcotics. The acquisition and possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis should go unpunished, private cultivation should be allowed to a limited extent and sale to adults in “licensed specialist shops” and possibly also pharmacies should be possible. However, Lauterbach only wants to introduce a law if the plans stand up to an examination in Brussels under European and international law.
