On Wednesday, Germany met with the European Union, to learn the EU wants to obstruct their efforts to legalize cannabis. Now, Germany will concentrate on decriminalization of cannabis, including regulated pilot sales and small-scale home cultivation. 

Germany scales back its cannabis legalization plans to focus on a 5-year research project that includes highly regulated sales and home cultivation, after the European Union blocked the country’s plans to fully legalize cannabis on Wednesday.

In a position document from the month of October, the German government proposed broad cannabis legalization plans. However, following negotiations with the European Union, it has scaled back its ambitions and now intends to decriminalize marijuana, back with a 5-year scientific research pilot project.

After legalization is blocked by the EU, Germany now is set on cannabis decriminalization efforts via a scientific pilot project. Niklas Kouparanis, CEO of the Bloomwell Group, one of Germany’s largest legal cannabis manufacturers, stated, “It’s a scientific pilot project, it’s not legalization.”

Cannabis Decriminalization Plans In Germany

According to a press statement from Germany’s health, agriculture, and justice ministries on Wednesday, the plan would let people carry up to 25 grams (0.9 ounces) of cannabis and allow them to become a member of a social club to purchase said marijuana. The press release also mentions small-scale home cultivation allowance. 

The government anticipates submitting a draft law on decriminalization measures this month, and a vote in parliament could occur as early as the summer. Some other EU members have eased regulations on marijuana, and its sale is tolerated in the Netherlands. However, this move would make Germany the largest European Union member moving toward permitting recreational use.

These social clubs for test pilots will have stringent rules and guidelines. According to these rules, social clubs may only have 500 members who are at least 18 years old, and they must prohibit drinking and other drug use on the premises. Members can only be registered with one social club. Members are allowed to purchase a maximum of 25 grams per day, but only 50 grams per month. In addition to a limit on the permitted THC content (limit to be clarified), the supply of cannabis to minors under the age of 21 (but over 18) is restricted to 30 grams per month. 

No on-site consumption will be allowed. Consumption is not allowed on the grounds of the association, nor is it allowed in public areas close to schools, daycare centers, or other facilities of a similar kind and in pedestrian zones until 8 o’clock at night.

Germany has also mentioned that there will be a ban on advertising for the cannabis social club associations, however they are allowed to display factual information. 

Aside from social club efforts, Germany has also announced self-cultivation in their cannabis decriminalization efforts, without punishment. Home grow allowance is limited to no more than three female flowering plants per home and must be protected from access by minors.