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Will Germany Bow to EU and Scale Back Legalization?

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Germany was super excited when it announced plans for a recreational cannabis legalization last May. Since that time, problems surfaced concerning EU regulation, and whether Germany would face obstacles in that direction. While some in the country want to push through, it seems Germany is likely to bow to EU pressure; and greatly scale back its original plan. A new draft law is now anticipated after Easter. What should we expect?

What we know

No one knows for sure what Germany is about to do, and we won’t until right after Easter. But recent issues concerning EU regulation have certainly taken the steam out of the sales. The legislation is already late for submission, and was originally planned for release by the end of the first quarter of 2023. Karl Lauterbach, the German health minister, says that the plan is to release a new draft after Easter; though we have no confirmation on what this means.

The reason for confusion stems from issues Germany has run up against as a member of the EU, since its looking to break with EU mandate. Whereas a few months ago there was a great desire to push back by many lawmakers (and still is), last month it was indicated that the bill might get scaled back in an effort to not deal with international legal issues. So far, the only thing confirmed by Lauterbach, is that “legalization is planned throughout Germany,” indicating a widespread measure of some kind is still in motion.

Much of the government is at odds with any plan to minimize the original legalization plan. Said FDP member Kristine Lütke to Zeit Online, “We need Germany-wide legalization because the black market can only be pushed back if quality-assured cannabis for recreational use can be traded in certified shops throughout Germany. If you can only legally buy quality-assured cannabis in a few cities, the black market will survive.”


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The original framework was set to allow adults 18 and up to purchase and have 20-30 grams of cannabis. The cannabis was supposed to be sold at government licensed stores, and possibly pharmacies as well. That initial framework, which was backed by the governing coalition, was also set to allow the self-cultivation of up to three plants.

The framework also spoke of adding an extra “special consumption tax” on cannabis products, alongside the country’s standard sales tax. This amount was not settled on, and the framework called for the tax amount to leave products at overall prices that can compete with the black market.

Though the government did pass this framework at the end of 2022, issues outside of Germany escalated when it came time for EU approval. And now it seems that this framework will likely get modified from its original version; to something more manageable for the EU.

Some possibilities of the new legislation

Whatever updates made to the framework are under wraps for now, but that doesn’t stop speculation from the peanut gallery of life. There are a couple unconfirmed thoughts as to the direction Germany will end up going with cannabis legalization.

Some think that self-cultivation will be instituted to a degree, with a push for cannabis clubs for more organized growing and dissemination. Think Spain, but as a more official model. Other ideas involve the implementation of sales though a pilot program, like in Denmark, or the one set to start in Switzerland. If the latter part is true, it indicates that a ‘wide-scale’ measure won’t mean ‘all encompassing’ of the country, and might only relate to certain areas.

Under this idea, the government would take its time to institute a full policy, as pilot trials tend to last several years. If Germany does adopt this method, a real legalization should not be expected for awhile, and nor should it be expected that the whole country will benefit from whatever is set up.

Draft law revision
Draft law revision

As nothing is confirmed about possible scale-back models, these are the main ideas swirling around right now. It’s thought these two ideas are relevant as they leave less polarizing issues for the EU to approve. In fact, the EU would only need to approve the first part, while the rest regarding cultivation and social clubs, would be only under Germany’s purview.

Truth is, we’ll have to wait until after Easter to find out for sure, and even that is actually questionable. According to Lauterbach, he is “firmly assuming that we will present the new proposal immediately after Easter,” which when you really look at the language, indicates we might not see something until after that time.

Problems with the EU, why this is happening

If it was only up to Germany, the conversation would be over; but there is another factor to consider. Germany is a member state of the EU, and operates like a state within a federal country. Which means, though it has its own government, it must also consider its federal parent organization, other countries of the EU, and international law as it applies to these bodies.

Germany made its announcement last year about legalizing recreational cannabis. It set up draft rules, introduced them, and approved them. But it did so with a heavy shadow hanging above; the need to get EU approval. According to the EU, cannabis with above .3% THC isn’t legal for recreational cultivation or sale, meaning Germany’s plans automatically don’t jive with EU mandate. So what happens when a country makes a decision outside of federal EU law? As no blueprint exists, its up to the EU to decide how to handle it.

When this came up last year as a possibly limiting factor; the country was split. Some wanted to push ahead and ignore the EU, others were more reticent to make such moves. Perhaps the EU is acting like an over-lording federal body trying to control its member country; but we should remember the EU has contracts with other countries related to drugs and commercial activities. The EU could put itself in hot water by allowing this. Plus, other countries like France are making a big stink, which adds more difficulty. France already lost its battle with the EU over blocking CBD imports from EU countries.

Though we don’t know what the EU said to Germany concerning the original draft law, there is wide concern for the legal discrepancy; with the EU as the main excuse for whatever revisions are underway. In fact, many in the industry are already resigned to this idea, as exemplified by Constantin von der Groeben, the managing director of cannabis company Demecan, based out of Berlin. According to von der Groeben via MJBizDaily:

Germany vs EU
Germany vs EU

“We have been expecting this result – a ‘model’ project – for several months and are therefore not surprised. Anything else would have been too difficult to align with EU regulation.” He continued that in terms of a trial program (if that’s what’s decided), “It might not even have to pass the Bundesrat. Legalization as early as January 2024, instead of the previously planned Q3 2024, would thus be possible.”

This understanding is mirrored by coalition partner the Social Democratic Party, which agrees that in the short term, a full legalization is not possible. In a statement issued last week, the Party said in reference to a trial program over a full legalization, “From our point of view, these can be model projects, decriminalization and self-cultivation.”

Conclusion

We won’t know until after Easter if the government will follow through with presenting something. And we won’t know until its presented, how modified the new plan is from the original, or what that means for a full-scale legalization in Germany. Best that we all let it go for now, unplug, and enjoy the holiday. We can get right back to it next week. Happy holiday, everyone!

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4 Ways Marijuana Can Help You Have A Better Thanksgiving

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If going the family Thanksgiving route, these gatherings can sometimes be stressful, especially when dealing with relatives you don’t see often or navigating potentially tense conversations. Marijuana can help reduce anxiety and create a more relaxed atmosphere. Microdosing is a popular trend with the younger generations, and it could be helpful in during the holiday. Numerous studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can effectively reduce anxiety. By helping to calm nerves and ease social tension, cannabis can contribute to a more pleasant and harmonious family gathering.



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Can Big Alcohol Help The Cannabis Industry

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It has been a rough few months for the cannabis industry…could Big Alcohol help during another rough patch?

The cannabis industry was worth $33 billion in 2023 and is filled with mom and pop businesses. With the majority of the population having access to legal marijuana, consumer use is up, states are filling their coffers, and more patients are using medical marijuana.  It has become so mainstream, even the staid AARP has acknowledge a signifiant portion of boomers are using it for medical reasons.  But federal restrictions are crippling the industry, despite the growth. The industry needs federal help, can Big Alcohol help the cannabis industry. Alcohol is in a majority of grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, resorts, planes and homes.  They understand the consumers and sell $260 billion in booze a year, not counting the second level market up.  The alcohol industry spends over $20 million annually on lobbying, a drop compared to the $220+ million pharmaceutical spends, but an impressive amount. But Congress, the DEA, and members of the administration are not fans…and help is needed.

Alcohol has a $14+ billion investment in the industry and has a voice in the Congress. Cannabis is a brand and revenue extension for alcohol rather than a competitor. A major change in the beverage industry came with the introduction of purified waters by PepsiCo (Aquafina) in 1994 and Coca-Cola (Dasani) in 1999.  Seeing it as way to reach more consumers and revenue, the two soda giants are now the owners of the top two bottled water companies in the North America. WIth a stake in the outcome, the big liquor companies could guide Congress to open up more for cannabis. This would provide both industries access to more customers and more revenue for everyone, including government entities.

marijuana legalization
Photo by Alexander Sanchez/Getty Images

“While alcohol and cannabis can play in the same sandbox, we more often see consumers using cannabis as a replacement for more harmful substances like alcohol. In cannabis, we find a paradigm shift—entertainment and relaxation without the costs of alcohol’s physical and social tolls.” shares Jesse Redmond, managing director at Water Tower Research, LLC.

Like bottled water, alcohol could open up markets to an additional set of consumers.  They have the expertise and relationships most cannabis businesses lack. Already, hemp beverage are in mainstream retailers like Total Wine (Texas) and in convenience stores.

The incoming administration has few cannabis champions with both the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate and the cabinet doesn’t seem to be focused on marijuana legalization at all. But the majority of members are a fan of booze and that can be used to marijuana’s advantage.

Both would benefit from product development,  producing and marketing cannabis-infused beverages and edibles. From a marketing point of view it also makes sense consider the consumer reach.  In addition, research shows that people often pair cannabis with alcohol rather than replacing one with the other. The proportion of consumers pairing cannabis with spirits or liquor increased from 12% in 2018 to 22% in 2022. The next 14 months will shape the cannabis industry path for years to come, let’s see if Big Alcohol plays a role.



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Can Microdosing Help Manage Holiday Family Anxiety

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The holidays can be festive, fun and heartwarming – but for some, there is too much family drama….microdosing could make it better.

Carols, gifts, parties, festive meals with favorite foods are all part of hte holiday season. But even in the best circumstances, there could be stress.  Some 89% say concerns around money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict cause them stress at this time of year. But roughly have say it is moderate and may not be any more than the rest of the year.   While family tend to provide a positive effect, if you look at Reddit, there are are plenty of causes of drama during hte holiday at gatherings. For those who are experiencing some level of stress, can mircodosing help manage holiday family anxiety? It could be a better solution than a half of a bottle of booze.

RELATED: Can CBD Oils Help With Anxiety & Depression

Microdosing marijuana can be an effective way to manage holiday anxiety, offering a subtle yet impactful approach to stress relief during the festive season. By consuming small amounts of cannabis, typically between 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC, individuals can experience the therapeutic benefits without feeling overly intoxicated.

Microdosing cannabis can provide several advantages for those dealing with holiday-related stress. Low doses of THC can activate the endocannabinoid system, potentially leading to decreased stress levels without causing an overwhelming high. This can be particularly helpful during family gatherings or social events that may trigger anxiety. It may alleviate the effects of social anxiety, allowing individuals to feel more relaxed and confident in social situations. This can be especially beneficial during holiday parties or family reunions.

Small amounts of cannabis can boost mood and social confidence, contributing to a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday experience. Another benefit is may induce deep, natural sleep patterns without excessive grogginess, helping to combat short term holiday-related insomnia.

To microdose marijuana effectively for holiday anxiety, consider the following tips:

  • Start Low: Begin with a dose of 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC and maintain this dosage for at least three days. If you’re new to cannabis, begin with an even lower dose and gradually work your way up.
  • Gradual Increase: If needed, slowly increase the dosage in 1 mg increments until you begin to feel the desired effects.
  • Consistency: Once you find an effective dose, stick with it for at least four days to assess its impact.
  • Choose the Right Product: CBD-dominant strains or products with balanced THC:CBD ratios may be more suitable for anxiety relief.
  • Consider Terpenes: Look for cannabis products containing terpenes like limonene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene, which have stress-relieving properties
  • Timing is Key: Plan your microdose schedule around holiday events or stressful situations to maximize its effectiveness.

RELATED: Marijuana Use And Guy’s Member

While microdosing can be beneficial, there are some general precautions. Consider potential interactions with alcohol or other medications you may be taking during the holidays. If you are some medications, it is important to talk to a health professional. And remember everyone reacts differently to cannabis, so what works for others may not work for you.

By incorporating microdosing into your holiday stress management strategy, you may find yourself better equipped to handle the pressures and anxieties that often accompany the festive season. This approach allows you to potentially benefit from the calming effects of cannabis while maintaining clarity and function during holiday activities and gatherings.



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