Berlin :The German parliament has backed a new law to allow the recreational use of cannabis. Under the law, over-18s in Germany will be allowed to possess substantial amounts of weed notwithstanding the fact that Germany becomes the ninth country to legalise this recreational use of the drug.
The second and final readings of the CanG bill were held by the German parliament, CanG was approved on Friday with 406 votes in favour of the bill to be passed and 226 votes against following the intense debate.
Karl Lauterbach, the Federal Minister for Health for Germany, opened the Bill’s debate by outlining the main objectives of the law, which are to protect Germany’s youth from harm and to put an end to the illegal market.The standard objections to the laws were raised by the CDU/CSU and the AfD, who both proposed an amendment asking for the bill to be blocked.
Pilsinger of the CDU/CSU described the present administration as a joke, claiming that they only care about gender policies and Marijuana. He also claimed to have seen the harm that cannabis may do to young people.
This bill was backed and sided by the arguments of-
- legalising the leaf could potentially reduce the over policing of the population and the safety behind the product,reducing the suppression freedom of expression.
- Marijuana is considered safer than alcohol, tobacco, and many other medications.
- Prohibition means cannabis will not be tested for purity and potency, this will create the risk of contamination by dangerous pesticides, moulds, bacteria, or even lacing. (This was a way to smuggle illicit drugs)
- The Regulated cannabis businesses are monitored by the government to ensure compliance with zoning and environmental laws.
What this holds for the future of cannabis farmers?
The German government itself expects that this will see 100 medical marijuana cultivation facilities set up in the country.
According to Klaus Madzia, CEO of Germany’s Cannovum Cannabis AG, this may put the incumbent German cultivators, already struggling to compete with the import market, in significant financial turmoil.“A lot more people can just convert their old warehouses and build GMP-compliant medicinal growing facilities. There’s going to be a lot of competition.”
Governamental opinions
Kirsten Kappert-Gonther, German Parliamentary member for The Greens said,
“A big success! The #CanG was passed in the Bundestag. We are ending prohibition and #Kriminalisierung and clearing the way for youth and health protection. After this long process, I am very pleased with what has been achieved and thank everyone for their commitment.”
Kristine Lütke MdB German Parliamentary member for the FDP responded with,
“We did it! The Bundestag has approved the cannabis law! We use the law to ensure that social realities are recognized and strengthen individual freedom.”
Karl Lauterbach, Germany’s Federal Health Minister:
“Cannabis legalization was passed in the Bundestag with 407 votes to 226. A good day for our failed drug policy.”
German Public opinion
Germans are currently divided over partial legalization of weed, The poll found that 47% of respondents are somewhat or completely in favour of the proposed law, while 42% of them said they somewhat or completely reject the plans.
