Is Germany planning to become a European cannabis production powerhouse?
The normalisation of people in the face of the appearance of more and more cannabis associations like ours is a clear symptom of the progress that the legalisation of this plant, both for medicinal and recreational use, is having for us in Barcelona, Europe and/or the rest of the world.
One example of this progress towards the normalisation of cannabis production, distribution and marketing is the accelerated steps being taken by the German government, and what appears to be its project to become a European power in this field. What are the Germans' plans for their cannabis future?
Current situation of cannabis production in Germany
Currently, the production, possession and consumption of cannabis is criminalised in Germany by the Narcotic Drugs Act, a regulation that has not prevented its use from continuing to grow among Germans, both at home and abroad.
The German government estimates that there are four million adult consumers in the country who buy on the black market.
One of the pledges of the Greens and the Social Democrats during the election campaign was the legalisation of marijuana, an issue that the Greens and Social Democrats had been campaigning for. project for which Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach finally presented in October 2022..
It is also worth mentioning that in Germany there is already a firmly established industry for the exploitation of hemp products, currently focussing especially on the production of fibre and seeds, but not losing 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 legalisation bill say?
The bill presented by Lauterbach seeks to declassify cannabis and THC as narcotic substances, thus taking a first step towards their decriminalisation. They will now be considered as stimulants.
It will be allowed to have up to three female plants in private cultivation, and the sale of cannabis in specialised shops and pharmacies will only be allowed to those over 18, and in limited quantities.
It will also be legal to produce and sell products with cannabis derivatives for topical use, inhalation or ingestion. Food, sweets and biscuits may be manufactured and sold with cannabis as an ingredient.
The bill also includes a ban on advertising and the expansion of education, prevention and treatment services. The government believes that legalisation will provide greater protection for children and young people by reducing or eliminating the underground cannabis market.
It will be allowed to have up to three female plants in private cultivation, and the sale of cannabis in specialised shops and pharmacies will only be allowed to those over 18, and in limited quantities.
A market of more than 80 million consumers
Although some EU 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 completely decriminalised the cultivation and consumption of cannabis.
If Germany fully decriminalises the cultivation and sale of cannabis, it is estimated that its domestic market could increase from €1 billion to more than €5 billion annually.
If Germany manages to overcome the reservations and resistance that this project is generating at home and in the European Union, it will not be long before the rest of the world follows suit.
In the meantime, Germany could become a powerhouse in the cultivation of this plant, being 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 .
How do you think the German initiative could affect the rest of the EU countries? Advantages and disadvantages? We'll read you in the comments and/or on our profile on Instagram profile!
