German politicians have resolved disputes about the proposed cannabis legalization bill, and it is expected the legislation will become law on April 1.
What Happened: The coalition government of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and Alliance 90/The Greens, or simply the Traffic Light Coalition resolved its differences regarding the planned cannabis legalization, writes Zeit Online, according to translation.
The Vice Faction Leaders Konstantin Kuhle (FDP), Maria Klein-Schmeink (Greens), and Dagmar Schmidt (SPD) jointly confirmed to the German press Agency in Berlin that the law could come into effect on April 1st, pending the Bundestag’s approval.
Why It Matters: “The regulations are a real milestone for a modern drug policy, which strengthens prevention and improves health, child and youth protection,” the three deputy parliamentary group leaders stated.
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) mentioned that the enactment of the law in parliament should happen in the week from Feb. 19 to Feb. 23.
Some two weeks ago, Lauterbach expressed optimism that marijuana legalization would be approved by the Bundestag in February and become law in April. His comments came shortly after the legalization measure was attacked by various members of the governing coalition.
Members of the ruling SPD previously disagreed over a proposed measure, and a recently published report by the conference of German interior ministers prepared by the Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt, BKA) pointed out several flaws in the regulations connected to the technical implementations of the law. The major concern they point out is a potential burden on law enforcement in the form of unclear regulations, including higher costs and additional police tasks.
The outlet reported it was said in coalition circles that no significant changes were made to the proposed legislation. This means that possession and cultivation of specific amounts of cannabis for personal use will be legal for adults starting April 1, 2024. By July 1, clubs for collective cultivation will be opened.
What’s Next: However, before the law can come into effect, the Bundesrat must also give its consent.
Now Read: This European Country Is Expected To Have Millions Of Medical Marijuana Patients, Say Experts
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Photo Via El Planteo.
