Germany recently passed a recreational marijuana legislation that decriminalizes marijuana, provides a foundation for cultivation social clubs and permits home growing. Under the legislation, cultivation social clubs are defined as not-for-profit organizations that allow members to obtain cannabis for recreational use.
The law, which hasn’t yet been read in the Bundesrat, will be enacted on April 1, 2024. The Bundesrat isn’t required to provide “consent” and will focus more on looking into the measure itself. However, if it does summon the Mediation Committee, then the measure may not go into effect in April as is expected.
Bloomwell Group’s CEO and cofounder, Niklas Kouparanis, stated in a recent interview that Germany was welcoming a new era of progressive policy when it came to drugs. He also noted that some suppliers would be allowed to sell material and equipment to the social clubs, as well as rent facilities and property for the clubs.
Despite this move forward, however, the legislation has been called a quasi-legislation because it maintains general prohibition on recreational cannabis with exceptions. Konstantin Grubwinkler, an attorney at Reubel Grubwinkler Rechtsanwälte, stated that while marijuana possession will remain illegal under the new law, individuals will still be able to:
- Cultivate up to three plants at home
- Possess no more than 50 grams of marijuana at home and 25 grams in public
Additionally, social club members will be entitled to 50 grams of marijuana per month from the facilities, with adults also being permitted to grow marijuana in the clubs together. Grubwinkler also noted that the law did not cover the sale of marijuana.
The legislation approved by the central legislative body last week was a diluted version of the initial bill. Originally, the country had intended to fully legalize marijuana. However, resistance from the European Commission led legislators to a two-pillar approach.
It is expected that the first marijuana clubs will launch in the summer. The clubs will be controlled by strict rules that focus on location, membership and mode of operation. For instance, the new law stipulates that members of a social club may be supported in the growing process by workers who earn roughly $581 a month. This is because the government wants growing and processing duties to be shared collectively among club members, which will total about $500 a club.
Membership fees are also expected to counterbalance the cost of production because clubs will not be permitted to sell marijuana to nonmembers. Additionally, clubs will be permitted to hire workers for tasks that aren’t associated with cultivation, such as law or accounting.
The international marijuana community, including companies such as like Software Effective Solutions Corp. (d/b/a MedCana) (OTC: SFWJ), will be watching to see what actual form the implementation of this proposed law takes and how it could shape marijuana policy in the European Union bloc.
About CannabisNewsWire
CannabisNewsWire (“CNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on cannabis news and the cannabis sector. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN
