Tag: Germany

Germany Eyes April 2024 for Cannabis Legalization

December 1, 2023 · high-times

The Germany’s coalition government called the Traffic Light coalition, which combines individuals from the Social Democratic Party, Free Democratic Party, and The Greens, reportedly reached an agreement for cannabis regulation on Nov. 27. These recent discussions estimate that cannabis legalization could take effect starting on April 1, 2024, with social cannabis clubs potentially allowed to open as early as July 1, 2024. “The #Cannabis law is coming! Finally: We are finally ending the failed ban policy! After intensive negotiations, there is now a… Read more.

Buds in Berlin

November 19, 2023 · High Times

Finding weed in Berlin is like going back in time. Sure, Germany has a medical cannabis program but it’s not Oklahoma. The regulations are very strict. You can’t just walk in off the street and start buying flowers and concentrates. It’s true that German legislators are working out plans for cannabis legalization, but adult-use cannabis dispensaries are estimated to be at least five years away. To find cannabis in Berlin, you gotta do it the old-fashioned way. You need a plug. A… Read more.

German Lawmakers Debate Marijuana Legalization Proposal In Committee Hearing, With Final Vote Scheduled Later This Month

November 7, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Lawmakers in Germany took comments from experts Monday during a parliamentary Health Committee hearing on the government’s proposal to legalize marijuana in the country. They also considered an alternative plan that would focus instead on reducing cannabis consumption through education and public health measures. The legalization measure, spearheaded by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, would allow adults to legally possess cannabis and cultivate a maximum of three plants for personal use. It would also create social clubs that could distribute marijuana to… Read more.

German Lawmakers Hold First Debate On Marijuana Legalization Bill

October 19, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

German lawmakers have officially begun consideration of a bill that would legalize marijuana nationwide. The country’s parliament, called the Bundestag, held the first debate on the legislation on Wednesday after delaying the meeting last week due to the conflict in Israel and Palestine. The legalization measure, spearheaded by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, would allow adults to legally possess cannabis and cultivate a maximum of three plants for personal use. It would also create social clubs that could distribute marijuana to members. Officials… Read more.

BDSA Walks Back Global Cannabis Sales Forecast by $5B

October 2, 2023 · Green Market Report

The most recent global cannabis market forecast from Colorado-based BDSA predicts that the industry will hit $55 billion in sales by 2027, a big increase from about $32 billion in 2022. But it is a significant downward revision from another BDSA report earlier this year, which projected that global marijuana sales would hit almost $60 billion by 2027. That change the German government’s decision to retreat from its original plan for a broad recreational market, opting instead for a more limited pilot program, BDSA executives told Green… Read more.

Bill To Legalize Marijuana In Germany Advances After State Representatives Fail To Block It

September 30, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Opponents of a proposed bill to legalize marijuana in Germany did not muster enough support to block the measure in legislative body representing states, meaning it will now continue through the process. Germany’s legislature is composed of two main bodies: the Bundestag, which is comprised of democratically elected lawmakers, and the Bundesrat (or Federal Council), which has members representing individual states. On Friday, the legalization bill was brought up in the latter chamber, where legislators urged the adoption of amendments but did… Read more.

German Health Insurance Filled Close to 100,000 Medical Marijuana Prescriptions Last Quarter Alone

August 28, 2023 ·

Demands for the legalization of cannabis are increasing throughout Europe, mirroring the progressive steps taken by Canada and certain regions of the U.S. to approve the use of the substance. Advocates conveyed many advantages of establishing a legal cannabis market during the Cannabis Europa industry event held in London last week. These benefits encompass improvements in public health, augmented tax revenues, and the destigmatization of medical marijuana. Despite enduring opposition from critics who contend that legalization results in elevated crime rates, addiction… Read more.

Germany’s Cabinet Passes Adult-Use Cannabis Reforms

August 19, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

Germany’s cabinet on Wednesday passed a bill to legalize adult cannabis use and cultivation, Reuters reports. The measure still requires approval from parliament.  Under the proposal, adults would be allowed to possess up to 25 grams, grow up to three plants, and acquire cannabis as associates of non-profit clubs. Young adults would be allowed to purchase up to 30 grams per month, while older adults would be able to purchase up to 50 grams.  During a press conference, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach… Read more.

Germany’s Federal Cabinet Approves Marijuana Legalization Bill, Sending It To Lawmakers For Enactment

August 16, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Germany’s federal cabinet has approved a draft marijuana legalization bill, sending the first part of the government’s cannabis reform plan to the country’s legislature for consideration. Members of the cabinet voted in favor of advancing the legislation, spearheaded by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, after discussing the measure at a meeting on Wednesday. The proposal, which was unveiled last month , would allow adults to legally possess cannabis and cultivate a maximum of three plants for personal use. It would also create social clubs… Read more.

Top German Official Expects Federal Cabinet To Approve Marijuana Legalization Bill ‘Next Week’

August 10, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A top German official says he expects the federal cabinet to approve the first part of the government’s marijuana legalization plan “next week,” and he emphasized that the reform will be coupled with a “major campaign” to educate the public about the risks of using cannabis. In an interview with Rheinische Post that was published on Wednesday, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach was asked about the status of the legalization proposal that was unveiled last month. “I expect the cannabis approval to… Read more.

8000Kicks Publicity Stunt Raises Hemp Awareness in Berlin

July 23, 2023 · Cannabis Now

For a few chaotic days this week, the city of Berlin found itself utterly inundated with the gift of hemp. Was it divine intervention? Not quite. Instead, it was the result of a clever publicity stunt orchestrated by the CEO and founder of hemp footwear brand 8000Kicks, Bernardo Carreira. Carreira and 8000Kicks are currently promoting their newest product: WEEDO. The limited-edition shoes are made from premium ground hemp flower—500g per shoe, to be exact. The company collaborated with Royal Queen Seeds and… Read more.

Germany Ministry of Health Unveils Cannabis Legalization Draft Bill

July 11, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

German adults aged 18 and older would be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use and cultivate up to three plants under the country’s draft law to legalize cannabis published by the Ministry of Health last week, Forbes reports. The law would also establish cannabis growers’ associations which would allow members to obtain either 25 grams of cannabis per day or 50 grams per month for personal use, and associations could supply each member with up to… Read more.

Top German Officials Unveil Draft Marijuana Legalization Bill

July 7, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

Germany’s Health Ministry has unveiled a draft bill to legalize marijuana, submitting it to state officials and the public for review. The legislation would allow adults to cultivate a limited number of cannabis plants for personal use and set rules for the creation of social clubs where they could obtain marijuana. Officials are also planning to introduce a complementary second measure that would establish pilot programs for commercial sales in cities throughout the country. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said that the country… Read more.

German cannabis operator signs on as main sponsor of pro soccer team

July 1, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

German cannabis company Four 20 Pharma has inked a deal to be the main jersey sponsor for Sport-Club Paderborn 07, a professional German soccer club. Sport-Club Paderborn 07 – commonly known as SC Paderborn 07 and based in Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia – competes in the German second division, under the Bundesliga. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The two-year deal commences with the 2023-24 season, which begins Aug. 18. Professional soccer teams typically sell sponsorship opportunities on… Read more.

German Parliament Member to Discuss Cannabis Reforms at ICBC Berlin

May 26, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

Back in 2021, mere weeks before what would prove to be a historic election for cannabis policy in Germany, the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) hosted a panel of sitting federal lawmakers to discuss German cannabis policy. It was the first time in history that all major parties in Germany were represented in a panel discussion specific to national cannabis reform. As we learned weeks after the historic panel discussion, a new governing coalition was elected in Germany and many of the… Read more.

German Officials Circulate Draft Bill For First Part Of Marijuana Legalization Plan Among Cabinet Members

May 2, 2023 · marijuanamoment.net

A top Germany health official has submitted a draft bill to legalize marijuana possession, cultivation and social clubs—the first of a two-part reform framework—to government cabinet officials. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach shared details about the legalization plan last month, and on Friday he distributed the legislative text to cabinet officials to consider before finalizing the bill and sending it to lawmakers. “Promise kept. Comments welcome,” Lauterbach said in response to news coverage about the latest development, according to a translation. While… Read more.

Germany Kicks the Can Down The Road on Cannabis Legalization – Now Adopting a Barcelona-Type Model for Weed

April 18, 2023 · Cannabis.net

Germany Scales Back Its Cannabis Legalization Plan There has been a considerable buzz in the cannabis industry regarding Germany's intention to legalize recreational cannabis, given its status as the largest economy in the European Union. Last October, the German Health Minister, Mr. Karl Lauterbach, submitted a proposed plan for the complete legalization of cannabis to the cabinet, indicating that it was merely a question of when it would happen. However, there were legitimate concerns about Germany's ability to implement such a… Read more.

What To Know About Germany’s Revised Plan To Legalize Cannabis

April 13, 2023 · Forbes

The German government has finally revealed its long-awaited revised plan to legalize cannabis. German officials held a press conference yesterday, attended by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, where they announced the country's plan to legalize cannabis. The revised plan for cannabis in Germany draws on policies and experiments from other European countries with a unique twist. It seems inspired by the Swiss model for a pilot project for the sale of cannabis products, which will also… Read more.

Germany Scales Back Its Cannabis Legalization Plan

April 13, 2023 · Ganjapreneur

Cannabis plant with German flag in the background

German officials have announced they are scaling back their widely anticipated cannabis legalization plan following a discussion with European Union officials, the Associated Press reports. The new plan, revealed on Wednesday, is to legalize cannabis possession of up to 25 grams and establish nonprofit “cannabis clubs” where registered members who are 18 and older can go and purchase the plant for recreational purposes. The clubs will be limited to 500 members each and individuals will not be allowed to hold memberships at more than… Read more.

European cannabis execs would welcome German trial legalization program

April 10, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

European cannabis executives would welcome a decision by the German government to pursue a trial recreational cannabis program versus nationwide legalization – even if that meant a significantly smaller market for businesses to pursue. Still, some experts say any trial program in Germany would come with risks, pointing to the flailing Netherlands experiment and even parallels with Japan’s “scientific” whaling activities. German media reported last week that federal officials might resort to a “cannabis legalization light” model amid concerns that nationwide legalization could… Read more.

Germany imports record amount of marijuana, but growth slows

April 3, 2023 · MJ Biz Daily

Colorful half-timbered houses in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Germany imported a record amount of marijuana for medical and scientific use in 2022, according to fresh data from the country’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). While the top-line number suggests the import business is booming, a deeper look shows that 2022 posted the slowest annual growth since the BfArM started reporting cannabis import data in 2018. Moreover, a good chunk of those imports appears to have never reached patients, possibly because of poor quality or product… Read more.

‘Cannabis in Germany will be a success story’: Europe’s biggest economy moves closer to weed legalization

March 22, 2023 · CNBC

Germany could be weeks away from introducing a bill to legalize cannabis under sweeping reforms that would greenlight the consumption and sale of the drug in Europe’s largest economy. Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach last week said that the plans had received “very good feedback” from the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, adding that the bill could be announced by the end of March or in early April. “We will soon present a proposal that works, that is, that conforms to… Read more.

Germany To Introduce Bill To Legalize Cannabis In The Coming Weeks

March 18, 2023 · Forbes

Germany is moving forward with its plan to legalize cannabis for recreational use, aiming to become the first European country to regulate the sale of cannabis products. But while supranational legal frameworks may pose obstacles to legalization, Lauterbach has received positive feedback from the EU, highlighting that the legislation must comply with EU regulations. Lauterbach has expressed confidence that his plans to legalize cannabis will be approved by the EU. Speaking in Brussels on Tuesday, March 14, before a meeting… Read more.