The German government’s weed legalization plan leaked on Wednesday, as reported by the RND (Editor Network Germany).
According to the leak, these are the main points of the plan:
- Cannabis should no longer be classified as a narcotic;
- Adults can buy and possess up to 20 grams of cannabis (0,7 ounces);
- The max THC level is supposedly around 15% for adults and 10% for people 18-21 years old;
- Growing 2 plants at home for personal use should be legal;
- Sales will be allowed only at government licensed stores in regulated locations;
- No ads allowed, and cannabis becomes a subject to sales tax.
The German Health Ministry spokesperson said at a press-conference that the leaked text is not the final version of the law and it’s still being discussed. Germany is believed to approve final details in 2023. So far, weed remains illegal.
"Unnecessarily restrictive"
Specific details of the supposed plan draw criticism from both supporters of recreational cannabis use and those who oppose it.
As an example of the most controversial aspects, the plan does not allow weed imports. Only local cannabis is approved for sale. Given that the country is far from being a tropical region, most legal cannabis will — supposedly — be grown indoors.
The THC limit of 15% is also a subject to criticism. Most of the country’s black market weed is significantly stronger, around 18-20% THC on average.
"Key issues paper on Cannabis legalization from is unnecessarily restrictive! THC upper limit, possession limit of 20g & stricter regulation up to 21 years will drive consumers to the black market - a catastrophe for youth, health & consumer protection"— Kristine Lütke, drug policy speaker of the Free Democratic Party of Germany
In addition, legal weed in Germany will be taxed heavily by the government, which will lead to an increase in prices, or will make local businesses struggle from the start.
As legalization supporters on social media claim, so far the plan looks like its main point is to make people "pay more for lower quality weed".
Still a big step for Europe
The leak gives a rare glimpse into Germany's legalization efforts. According to the law, today possession of even the smallest amount of cannabis may lead to 5 years of jail.
A partial legalization with taxes and regulations in the current known form will not «kill» the black market, but it’s a big step for Germany and Europe on the way to a full-scale recreational use legalization.