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BERLIN. – The German government approved a draft law yesterday legalising the purchase and possession of cannabis for recreational use, with the health minister pushing back against criticism of the controversial plans.
The legislation would allow adults to possess up to 25 grammes of cannabis and grow up to three plants for personal use.
People would also be allowed to join non-profit “cannabis clubs” of up to 500 members where the drug can be legally cultivated and purchased.
The bill still needs to be approved by lawmakers in the German parliament, who return from their summer break on September 4.
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach called the draft law “a turning point” in Germany’s attitude towards cannabis.
The more relaxed approach would crack down on the black market and drug-related crime, ease the burden on law enforcement and allow for safer consumption of marijuana, he said at a Berlin press conference.
Minors will still be prohibited from using the drug, and the government will launch a campaign warning of the health risks for young people especially, he added.
“The concept we’re presenting is one of controlled legalisation,” he told reporters.
“We want to limit consumption and make it safer,” Lauterbach said.
Plans to allow the widespread sale of cannabis in licensed stores were dropped in April after the European Commission raised concerns. – France24.com
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter