Today, Germany unveiled a new plan to legalize cannabis, permitting possession and private cultivation but delaying widespread retail sales for now. The government’s updated proposal allows individuals to possess up to 25 grams (approximately 0.9 ounces) of cannabis daily and up to 50 grams monthly. Additionally, citizens can grow a maximum of three plants at home. The initial plan, which aimed to permit cannabis sales in licensed stores across the country, has been restructured following EU concerns.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir explained that commercial distribution of cannabis would only occur under specific conditions. Lauterbach stated, “The previous cannabis policy has failed. Now we have to go new ways.”

The revised two-step legalization process starts by allowing adults to create clubs for shared cultivation with a maximum of 500 members. Clubs can supply up to 50 grams of cannabis per month to members, or 30 grams to those under 21. Furthermore, clubs must designate “youth protection, addiction, and prevention officers.”
Home cultivation will be permitted, and clubs can distribute up to seven seeds or five cuttings monthly. Özdemir confirmed that the bill for this phase would be finalized by April’s end.

After the summer, a separate bill will enable a limited number of licensed shops in select German regions to distribute cannabis commercially, according to Lauterbach.

This updated plan comes after the German government reevaluated its initial cannabis legalization proposal from October of last year. The European Commission expressed concerns about the original plan, which intended to allow cannabis sales for adults in specialized shops. Consequently, the German government agreed to trial such sales only in specific pilot regions.

The ministers also mentioned the possibility of amnesty for individuals previously convicted of cannabis possession, though they did not provide eligibility details.

Canna Cruise XL is seizing the opportunity to delve deeper into the topic. Tomorrow, April 13th, they are organizing a pop-up cruise featuring special guest judge Andreas Muller. Visitors are welcome to join the Q&A session and engage in discussions about the implications of Germany’s updated cannabis legalization plan.