Germany is about to legalize the sale of adult-use Cannabis, reports the Metro. The historic move is likely to increase pressure on other European governments to follow suit.
German authorities plan to have legislation ready later this year allowing licensed shops to sell Cannabis to adults.
They’re not wasting any time, either. The health ministry will begin expert hearings on the issue Tuesday, June 14.
Coalition Between Three Socially Liberal Parties
More than 200 representatives from medical, legal and other fields will take part in the hearings. Numerous international experts and officials from various levels of government will have their say.
The policy was part of a pledge in a coalition deal between three socially liberal parties in Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government, which took power in December.
Regulated sales of the herb will, at last, be legal for adults in Germany.
Ensuring Quality Control; Protecting Young People
German authorities said the plan will ensure quality control while also protecting young people, reports CTV News. They added that they will look at the “social effects” of the new legislation after four years.
In early May, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said he planned to draw up draft legislation in the second half of the year, following hearings with experts.
Authorities scheduled five hearings through the end of June. They will address measures needed to ensure protections for health and consumers, German drug czar Burkhard Blienert said.
“Like many others, I have worked for years toward us in Germany finally ending the criminalization of cannabis consumers and beginning a modern and health-oriented cannabis policy,” Blienert said.
