Topic for Apr 25 (Mon)

[Kristin55]

Germany Revises Cannabis Liberalization After EU Talks

Germany's government presented plans on April 12 to liberalize the country's rules on cannabis. These include legalizing possession of limited amounts and allowing members of nonprofit "cannabis clubs" to buy cannabis for recreational purposes.

However, this proposal is different from one presented in October, which would have allowed the sale of cannabis to adults across the country at licensed stores.

The German government revised the plan after talks with the European Commission. Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir said EU law "sets us limits we must respect, but that I will also say we are pushing."

Germany has allowed some patients to get cannabis as prescription medication since 2017.

The new legislation would legalize the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis for recreational use and allow individuals to grow up to three plants.

It would let German residents 18 and older join nonprofit "cannabis clubs" with a maximum of 500 members each. These would be allowed to grow cannabis for members' personal use. Individuals would be allowed to buy up to 50 grams per month — or just 30 grams for adults under age 21.

Özdemir said cannabis use "will become legal this year." Officials hope that the first step will help reduce the illegal drug trade.

This fall, the government will plan the next step: five-year tests of regulated commercial supply chains in some regions.

Officials hope that running successful tests will help to build pressure for an EU policy change, and clear the way for their original plan to allow licensed sales.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said the response from the EU was disappointing, but was also an "opportunity to build the basis for a European cannabis policy with a well-conducted study."

The health minister said the government's aim is to protect consumers against dangerous products, and to reduce drug-related crime.

1. Do you think cannabis should be legal for medical purposes? Why? Why not?

2. Do you expect more countries to legalize cannabis in the near future?

3. Have you been to any countries where cannabis is legal?

4. What percentage of adults in your country do you imagine use cannabis?

5. Have you been to Germany? If so, where did you visit? If not, would you like to?

6. Are there any laws in your country that you'd like to see changed?

7. In your opinion, what are the most liberal countries you've been to?

8. What European countries could you see yourself living in?