The normalisation of people in the face of the emergence of more and more cannabis associations like us, is a clear symptom of the progress that the legalisation of this plant, both for medicinal and recreational use, is making for us in BarcelonaEurope 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 being taken by the German government, and what appears to be its project to become a European power in this area. What plans do the Germans have for their future with cannabis?
Current situation of cannabis production in Germany
The production, possession and consumption of cannabis is currently criminalised in Germany under the Narcotic Drugs Act, a citation that has not prevented its use from growing among Germans 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 promises made by the Greens and Social Democrats during the election campaign was the legalisation of marijuana, whose Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach has finally presented the project in October 2022..
It should also be mentioned that in Germany there is already a well-established industry for the exploitation of hemp products, at present mainly focused on the production of fibre and seeds, but without losing sight of the development of an industrial branch dedicated to the production of hemp products. CBD products.
- Related article: Are cannabis clubs legal in the city of Barcelona?
What does the legalisation bill say?
The bill presented by Lauterbach aims to remove cannabis and THC from its classification as a narcotic drug, as a first step in its decriminalisation. It will now be considered a stimulant.
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 be allowed only to those over 18 years of age, and in limited quantities.
It will also be legal to produce and sell products that use cannabis derivatives for topical use, for inhalation or ingestion. It will also be possible to produce and market foods, sweets and biscuits with cannabis as an ingredient.
The bill also includes banning advertising and expanding 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 be allowed only to those over 18 years of age, and in limited quantities.
A market of more than 80 million consumers
While 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 fully decriminalised the cultivation and consumption of cannabis.
If Germany fully decriminalises the cultivation and marketing of cannabis, its domestic market is estimated to grow from 1 billion euros to more than 5 billion euros a year.
If Germany manages to overcome the reservations and resistance that this project is generating at home and in the European Union, it will only be a matter of time before other countries follow suit.
In the meantime, Germany could become a powerhouse in the cultivation of this plant, and be at the forefront in a market such as that of the European Unionwith 83 million consumers.
The cover image was found on Freepik. Credits image for 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 profile in the comments. Instagram!
