The law on the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis, within which from April 1 it will be possible to store and grow marijuana, has been adopted in Germany, the result of the vote was announced by the Chairman of the Bundesrat Manuela Schwesig.
The representatives of the states voted for or against sending the bill to a parliamentary committee for approval. It was not possible to obtain the required number of votes in favor of this step.
“It's a minority, so there's no need for a committee vote,” Schwesig said.
Thus, the law on the legalization of cannabis has passed the final stage and will begin to be applied on April 1 of this year.
German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said before the vote that if the law was not passed, it would be “a great day for the black market.”
At the same time, representatives of a number of states expressed sharp criticism against legalization, as did various medical associations in the country, as well as the opposition.
The German government presented plans to legalize cannabis last year. According to the document, adult marijuana consumers will not be held criminally liable for its possession (up to 25 grams) and cultivation of up to three plants. Also, from July 1, cannabis can be grown for personal consumption in associations of up to 500 people. At the same time, the federal states have the right to authorize or prohibit the creation of such groups. According to Lauterbach, the law is aimed at combating the underground market and the increase in marijuana-related crimes.