Germany is expected to introduce a bill to legalize cannabis in the coming weeks after reforms would grant the consumption and sale of marijuana in Europe’s largest economy.

This move towards legalization would make Germany one of the first countries in Europe to legalize the stigmatized drug in Europe. It would make Germany the world’s largest regulated national cannabis market.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach presented planned legislation to regulate and control the distribution and consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes among adults.

“We will soon present a proposal that works, that is, that conforms to European law,” Lauterbach said.

Based on their released plans, cannabis will no longer be considered a narcotic, (which is quite a strong word for it, if you ask me) and citizens over the age of 18 would be able to carry up to 30 grams of marijuana for recreational purposes.

Consumers would also be able to grow up to three plants in their own homes as well as pharmacies and licensed stores would be able to sell the plant.

Lauterbach has not given a timeline for this plan but expect to implement regulations in phases.

According to CNBC, “May 1 [2023] will be seen as the day Germany legalized cannabis [for personal use],” said Steffen Geyer, director of Hanf Museum, a Berlin-based hemp museum. She added, “Cannabis in Germany will be a success story, I’m sure. The future’s green.”

The legalization of the marijuana in the EU’s largest economy could potentially open the door to similar reforms in other European countries.

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