Susanne Schulz
A bill to legalize the recreational use of cannabis in Germany will come into force next month as scheduled, after the country’s upper house of parliament approved its implementation without delay.
Legislators representing a regional-level legislative body The so-called Bundesrat on Friday failed to reach a majority to submit the legislation to mediation committee, which would they postponed its implementation for six months.
Before the vote, German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach presented the Bundesrat with a “protocol statement” that addresses lawmakers’ concerns and, thus, avoids a delay in implementation.
“It was worth it, the legalization of cannabis will arrive on Easter Monday!” Lauterbach, who led the government’s efforts on legalization, remarked afterward that the body, also known as the Federal Council, did not refer the bill to the mediation committee.
“Please use this new opportunity responsibly and help protect children and young people. We hope this is the beginning of the end for the black market today,” he added.
In late February, the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, voted 407 to 226 to approve the bill presented by Germany’s ruling parties, led by the chancellor’s center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD). Olaf Scholz.
The legislation, which comes into force on April 1, partially legalizes marijuana use in the country, allowing Germans to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis in public spaces and 50 grams in private homes, among other measures.