¿Alemania planea convertirse en potencia europea de producción cannábica?
The normalization of people in the face of the emergence of more and more cannabis associations like ours is a clear symptom of the progress that the legalization of this plant, both for medicinal and recreational use, is having for us in Barcelona , Europe and/or the rest of the world.
An example of this progress towards the normalisation of the production, distribution and marketing of cannabis are the accelerated steps that the German government is taking, and what seems to be its project to become a European power in this field. What plans do the Germans have for their future with cannabis?
Current situation of cannabis production in Germany
Currently, the production, possession and consumption of cannabis is penalized in Germany by the Narcotics Act, a citation that has not prevented its consumption from continuing to grow among Germans, inside and outside the country.
The German government estimates that there are four million adult consumers in the country who buy on the black market.
One of the promises of the Greens and Social Democrats during the election campaign was the legalisation of marijuana, a project for which Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has finally presented in October 2022 .
It should also be mentioned that in Germany there is already a firmly established industry for the exploitation of hemp products, currently focused especially on the production of fibers and seeds, but which does not lose sight of the development of an industrial branch dedicated to CBD products .
- Related article: Are cannabis clubs legal in the city of Barcelona?
What does the legalization project say?
The project presented by Lauterbach aims to remove cannabis and THC from their classification as narcotics, as a first step towards their decriminalisation. They will now be considered as stimulants.
It will be permitted to have up to three female plants in private grows, and the sale of cannabis in specialist shops and pharmacies will only be permitted to those over 18 years of age, and in limited quantities.
The production and sale of products using cannabis derivatives for topical use, inhalation or ingestion, will also be legal. Food, sweets and biscuits with cannabis as an ingredient may also be produced and sold.
The bill also includes banning advertising and expanding education, prevention and treatment services. The government believes that legalization will provide greater protection for children and young people by reducing or eliminating the clandestine cannabis market.
It will be permitted to have up to three female plants in private grows, and the sale of cannabis in specialist shops and pharmacies will only be permitted to those over 18 years of age, and in limited quantities.
A market of more than 80 million consumers
Although some European Union countries allow the possession of some cannabis plants or small amounts for consumption, such as the Netherlands and Luxembourg, only Malta, in December 2021, has fully decriminalized the cultivation and consumption of cannabis .
If Germany completely decriminalizes the cultivation and sale of cannabis, its domestic market is estimated to increase from €1 billion to more than €5 billion per year.
If Germany can overcome the reservations and resistance that this project is generating in the country and in the European Union, it will only be a matter of time before the rest of the countries follow suit.
Meanwhile, Germany could become a power in the cultivation of this plant, and be at the forefront in a market such as the European Union , with 83 million consumers.
The cover image can be found on Freepik. Image credits to aleksandarlittlewolf .
And you… How do you think the German initiative could affect the rest of the EU countries? Pros and cons? We’ll read you in the comments and/or on our Instagram profile !
