Germany to legalize cannabis for personal use

BERLIN (AA) - Germany announced plans on Wednesday to introduce new legislation that would allow adults to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal consumption.

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said the new legislation aims at combatting the black market and reducing drug-related crime.

"The previous cannabis policy has failed,” Lauterbach said, adding that prohibition of cannabis has not been effective in restricting use, and played into the hands of criminal groups.

“Our new policy is about the controlled distribution of cannabis to adults within clear limits," he said.

According to the government’s blueprint, individuals aged 18 and above will be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis.

The self-cultivation of up to three plants for personal consumption will also be permitted.

Non-profit associations, with a maximum of 500 members, will be allowed to grow cannabis and distribute it to members.

A member could get a maximum of 50 grams of cannabis per month, according to the draft.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left liberal coalition government is planning to finalize work on the legislative changes in the coming weeks and submit them to parliament for approval.