Enlarge image
Cannabis smoker (symbol photo)
Photo: Paul Zinken / dpa
For some, the move was overdue, others see it as a breach of the dam: The Ampel-Coalition wants to introduce a "controlled distribution of cannabis to adults for consumption in licensed shops."
This would "control the quality, prevent the transfer of contaminated substances and ensure the protection of minors," says the coalition agreement between the SPD, the Greens and the FDP (read the key points of the coalition agreement here).
The planned law should be reviewed after four years for "social effects".
The coalition agreement also states: "We are tightening the regulations for marketing and sponsoring of alcohol, nicotine and cannabis."
In order to prevent the abuse of alcohol and nicotine, the three parties want to rely on "increased education with a special focus on children, adolescents and pregnant women".
Hemp Association speaks of a "great success"
Models for “drug checking” should also be in focus. With such offers, for example, party-goers can have drugs bought on the black market tested for purity. At the same time, the regulations for marketing and sponsoring of cannabis, alcohol and nicotine are to be tightened. In addiction prevention, the main focus should be on increasing the education of children, adolescents and pregnant women.
The German Hemp Association spoke of a "great success".
"Many countries will follow this example and also legalize cannabis," said DHV spokesman Georg Wurth.
In the opinion of the association, however, self-cultivation should also be legalized.
It represents "an important alternative to specialist shops for regular consumers with higher consumption and low incomes." Medical cannabis has been available on prescription in Germany since 2017.
Cannabis is already fully legalized in Canada and Uruguay, as well as in several US states.