It could reportedly pave the way for more legalization in Germany, making it the first major country in Europe to do so (1). Currently, it is illegal to buy cannabis in Germany, but it is not legal to consume it (1). He also explained that Germany could not continue the trend of rising, problematic cannabis consumption, including the illegal market, contaminated cannabis, and drug-related crime (2,3). Criticism from cannabis advocates contends that the new measure is too restricted and would not allow many of the cannabis clubs to operate (2). The government reportedly also has plans to study the effects of allowing commercial cannabis purchases by initiating pilot programs that would allow certain shops to sell cannabis (1).

Source: New York Times August 29, 2023 23:50 UTC