Cannabis
What We Know of Germany’s New Cannabis Plans
Germany has sure been through the ringer. In a single year it went from charging forth with a full cannabis legalization, to going back on nearly everything it said; and scaling back all plans. It certainly isn’t what was initially hoped for, but here’s a look at Germany’s new cannabis plans, recently released as a draft bill.
Germany’s new cannabis plans
First and foremost, anytime you hear about a ‘draft law’ it means its not a real law, or at least, not yet. A draft is a rough copy. In the case of politics, its sort of like a hope. Some draft laws pass through houses of legislation quickly without edits; and some get torn apart, rewritten, or thrown out all together. So in terms of Germany’s new cannabis plans, they’re certainly not concrete, and represent what the country is trying for, but not what will definitely happen.
As per MJBizDaily, the new draft law also only covers part of what Germany wants to do with its scaled-back weed industry. The second half, not gone into here, involves a pilot program with very limited sales access. We’ll find out more about that later. In the first week of July, Germany released its tentative plans for the first part of the legalization; which include cultivation, both privately, and by groups. This is the current draft law.
Personal cultivation is a little easier. The real meat of the draft law has to do with what it calls ‘cultivation associations;’ not-for-profit groups that can grow cannabis for members, and then give it out to them. The members pay a fee to be in the club, and this fee covers their use; so there are no direct sales. This keeps it from being a standard sales market, as no specific product is paid for directly.
It’s essentially a government loophole, that gets around another government law. The EU won’t allow sales markets, these associations get around that. It’s the same loophole that Spain made famous with its cannabis social clubs. Unlike Spain’s setup, Germany’s associations will be for dissemination only, and will not be a place for social smoking.
The draft goes over certain points, some of which have already been discussed. All are related to personal cultivation and associations. Here are a few of the main ones:
- Each person can grow up to three plants
- Legal possession limit – 25 grams for adults
- Association limits for dissemination – 25 grams per a day, or 50 grams in a month
- Those under 21 cannot grow or access products with more than 10% THC
- Those under 21 cannot access more than 30 grams a month
- Neither cannabis, nor the associations that grow it, can be advertised or sponsored
What happens next?
A draft either passes into new law, or doesn’t. In order for this draft bill to pass, it has to get through a few steps. By mid-August its expected the current draft will go before the Cabinet. Assuming it gets past the cabinet, it moves onto both the parliament (Bundestag), as well as Bundesrat; a federal body which represents all 16 states in the country. It is up to the Bundestag to make the final decision in the end. Should that happen in a timely manner, its expected the legislation could go into effect by the end of this year.
This draft law is only one half of Germany’s new cannabis plans. Part of the upcoming process, is the introduction of legislation for the second half; the pilot program. As stated, this program will allow some amount of a limited sales market, although how limited is still not known. A pilot study is just an investigation into something on a small-scale, to determine how it could work on a bigger scale. So the idea is to investigate how a full-scale recreational legalization would work, by testing it on a smaller segment of the population.
This part is the part that overlaps more with EU policy. The part that must get a formal go-ahead. As per Germany, this part will be drafted in conjunction with the European Commission, as well as the other EU member states. Simply accepting that it can’t be a regular sales market is not enough. As recreational sales are involved, it requires a higher level of approval, from outside of Germany.
Nothing like this exists yet in the EU. Lets remember Switzerland and its pilot program are not a part of the EU, and not subject to EU laws when it comes to cannabis. As far as Luxembourg and Malta, the other two EU countries to pass legalization measures; neither attempted any kind of sales market, not even in the form of a pilot study. Malta’s legalization involves associations, but Luxembourg’s is just about cultivation.
Germany had such big plans
This issue of the EU and needing to follow its policy, is certainly adding some difficulty to cannabis reform measures that cross the line into recreational sales markets. The EU is okay with medical sales markets, and the majority of EU countries have them. Realistically, the EU as a federal body, does have its own concerns; like deals with other countries, and membership in international drug conventions. It’s the parent to its member-state children, and holds the ability to say ‘no.’
We saw this very distinctly with Germany. Germany decided over a year ago to legalize cannabis, but didn’t give details at the time as to how. By last fall, the word was out that the country was going to fully legalize cannabis, and open a recreational sales market. It was supposed to happen by spring of 2023.
It wasn’t until early 2023 that the whispers of problems became more like a roar. The previously ignored concept that the EU would have to approve, became a complete reality. While some politicians wanted to fight it, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach did not. In the end, when the announcement came after Easter, there was no sales market in the picture. Germany officials never explained fully what the EU said, but it was understood, that the governing body had not approved.
The same concept affected Luxembourg, although that country never tried like Germany did. It mentioned legalizing a few years ago, but only officially passed the measure last month. It had also originally planned a full scale sales market.
It ended up only passing a personal cultivation law; sans associations, and sans personal use amounts above a few grams; making it very much not a law that encourages anything outside of one’s house. While it could be that not the whole country was onboard with a sales market, its more likely that Luxembourg did this to evade issues with the EU.
Cannabis reform and the EU
The thing is, the EU can’t do this forever. Whatever reasons it has, eventually must be ironed out. This seems to be understood in that the EU recently held its first ever debates on cannabis. Called ‘Legalization of Personal Use of Cannabis: Exchange of Best Practices,’ it was chaired by Ireland’s Luke Flanagan, who had this to say:
“The importance of this gathering is not so much what we can get the European Commission to do, it’s more to see that they don’t get in the way and hinder this process. We don’t have competence over this area but it seems the Commission has the power to throw spanners in the spokes when countries try to do it.”
The co-chair to the meeting was the Czech Republic’s Mikuláš Peksa. The Czech Republic is looking to pass its own legalization measure, and has been extremely quiet about what it plans to do; probably because its still not sure how hard it can push. There are implications that the country wants to open a full sales market; but its unclear what exactly this means, or how the country will deal with the EU, if this is the intention. What is for sure, is that the Czech Republic knows its got an issue on its hands.
Legalization co-drafter Tomas Sadilek explained, “The European Commission is our biggest obstacle… it is always easier to regulate than deregulate and withdrawing cannabis from European legislation is very problematic.” He broke the problem down into three issues; general Schengen laws, EU drug trafficking laws from 2004, and international drug conventions.
Conclusion
Germany’s cannabis plans for personal cultivation and associations should pass through, although there could be an editing process. But this is a far cry from what the country originally wanted; and is representative of the main issue that stops recreational sales markets in the EU.
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It has become a popular gift with over 20% of the population putting it under the train. So we asked 3 wise man what to give (or consume) during the season.
The holiday season is a special time of year with a combination of Christmas, Hannakuh, and more are the modern hoildays descended from pagan holidays. Food, celebrations, gifts and a hint of something magical are all part of the holidays. With Christmas, the three wise men bring gifts to the baby Jesus being steered by a star. As we head into the last part of the season, why not think of the perfect gift to give or for yourself. We have three wise men give marijuana strain gift suggestions to share with our readers.
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Terran Cooper, one of the rising stars of the industry and a part of the firm Falcon Rappaport & Berman who works in the cannabis industry. New York based, he says while there are several great strains, he has two to share for the holiday season.
One of my favorite day time strains, Pineapple Express has skyrocketed in popularity following the 2008 film by the same name. This strain is one of the more energetic strains that I’ve come across, allowing for a nice balance between productivity and relaxation this holiday season. Its joyful and uplifting effects may pair nicely with last minute holiday tasks in addition to any festivities. Though infrequent consumers beware – its relatively high THC content means that a little can go a long way.
Andrew Laub, managing partner of Keneh Ventures and CEO of Cannabition, is a leader in the industry and shared his favorites. Golden Goat is my secret to finding joy in any moment, especially during the holiday season. Its tropical, citrusy flavor is bright and uplifting, just like its effects. I love how it gives me an energized, creative boost without feeling overwhelming, making it perfect for everything from decorating the house to hosting friends. It’s my reminder to savor the fun and chaos of the holidays.
Granddaddy Purple is like my personal escape when the holiday rush gets overwhelming. I love its rich, grape-like flavor and how it helps me unwind at the end of a busy day. Whether I’m binge-watching holiday movies or enjoying quiet time by the fireplace, this strain makes everything feel a little cozier and more magical.
Sour Diesel is my motivation when there’s too much to do and not enough time. Its energizing, citrusy aroma wakes me up, and its focus-boosting effects help me tackle long to-do lists with ease. I love using it to power through holiday prep, whether I’m wrapping gifts, planning meals, or brainstorming creative ways to make the season special.
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Online cannabis influencer Miguel a.k.a Miggy420 (@miggy420) believes consumption of cannabis is a personal experience with everyone being different. He sees the endocannabinoid system as unique as snowflakes in winter. Some smoke to wash away ills, others to wash away the ills of society. He shared his two favorites.
Vin Diesel Diesel is a sativa grown by Dewey’s Cultivars. Her beauty matches her taste with gassy hits reminiscent of early 2000 diesel strains I would buy in the traditional market. These growers come with a biochemical background and it shows with this plant, pure bliss – and this is coming from someone who prefers indicas.
If you’re looking for something post family events i.e you just realized the debt you incurred for the little ones or you’re just happy your conspiracy Uncle is gone, I recommend Gelato Cake by Agro Couture. This indica dominant hybrid will have your mind drifting away and able to focus on what it is you really wanted to do, hot box your bedroom and binge watch YouTube.
Enjoy these suggestions and may everyone have a great holiday season.
In another positive reason for cannabis legalization – teen use continues to drop.
One of the great arguments against marijuana legalization is it will lead to more youth partaking. This argument is brought out, despite teen alcohol use continuing to be a problem. Now, a new study shows teen marijuana is continuing to decline, coinciding with the increasing legalization of cannabis for adult use across the United States. This trend contradicts predictions made by opponents of legalization, who argued that easier access would lead to increased youth consumption.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported an 18% decrease in the percentage of 12- to 17-year-olds who had ever tried marijuana from 2014 to 2023. Additionally, current marijuana use among this age group fell by 19%. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavioral Survey found a 26% reduction in the percentage of high schoolers identifying as current cannabis consumers between 2013 and 2023.
Researchers attribute this decline to several factors:
- Regulated markets: Licensed dispensaries require proof of age, making it more difficult for teenagers to obtain marijuana.
- Effective ID policies: Studies show high compliance rates among licensed cannabis retailers in checking customer IDs.
- Shifting perceptions: There has been a significant drop in youth perceptions that cannabis is easy to access, despite the widening adult-use marketplace.
The trend is not limited to the United States. A Canadian study found high school students reported more difficulty accessing marijuana since the country legalized it nationwide in 2019
These findings support the argument that regulated marijuana markets for adults, with appropriate safeguards, can effectively deter youth access and use. The data suggests that legalization policies can be implemented in a manner that provides regulated access for adults while simultaneously limiting youth access and misuse.
As more states consider legalizing marijuana, this evidence can inform policymakers and public health officials in developing effective strategies to protect youth while allowing adult use. The ongoing decline in teen marijuana use demonstrates that legalization, when properly implemented, does not necessarily lead to increased adolescent consumption and may even contribute to its reduction.
Roughly 25% of people are planning to give cannabis as a holiday gift….here are some practical suggestions to make it a success.
Last year was a watershed year for Santa with 1 in 4 planning to add cannabis into their gift giving, the trend is only going up in 2024. Since the plant has become mainstream (except for a few in DC), it is to be found under the tree, next to the menorah and during festive gatherings. Gen Z and Millennials are leading the trend with 78% (vs. 56% of Gen X and Boomers) in planning to include cannabis in their holiday plans. But you you want to do it right, here are the best tips if you are giving marijuana as a gift.
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While giving alcohol is a long tradition, giving cannabis is does have some variances. To start, so far most can’t grab it out of personal stock or fish it out of Christmas gifts already given for the year. While Costco, groceries stores and Total Wine are the booze top sellers, it can be also purchased in bodegas, gas stations and other locations. Cannabis still has to be purchased at specialized dispensaries.
First, plan ahead when you shop. The good news is most dispensaries keep hours similar to a grocery store – open by 9 am and closing around or after 10 pm. This makes dashing in for a last minute gift or squeezing it in during the day easy. Remember to bring cash, have a plan and chill out.
The good news isyou can’t seem to be “cheap” giving weed. Most edibles are in a small price range, whereas wine bought at a grocery stores can go for $6-$100. And the quality of the wine can vary greatly. Most edibles, including gummies, are within the same price point and potency while caring on quality. Wana Brands, one of the nation’s leading gummy makers, hits the mid spot on price. Also, unless you are doing a hefty gift basket, you are can give one or two items as a trail.
Never overestimate someone’s usage. Think about the recipient’s experience level and preferences when selecting cannabis gifts. For most, consider starting with low-dose or CBD-dominant products. Gummies, vapes, oil, or gift cards are all popular choices. Also, ask the budtender what the best sellers for mid level consumers.
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If you are in the less than 50% of the population where legal cannabis is available, consider hemp beverages. It can provide a quick, similar high but is legal. In Texas, they are huge sellers and can be found in some Total Wines, local convenience stores and other locations.
Lastly, have a hint of discretion, it might not be the best public secret Santa gift, but gummies can be a fun White Elephant!
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