Germany publishes first draft bill to legalise cannabis

Germany’s government has published an initial draft bill to legalise the personal use and home growth of cannabis across the country after putting forward plans in October.

According to Forbes, who first published the news on Monday, the draft bill, for the first of a two-pillar model created to dismantle prohibition policies, was published on July 5.

The proposed bill allows for the personal use and possession of cannabis of up to 25 grams for anyone over the age of 18. It also allows for the growth of up to three cannabis plants at home.

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Despite this, Forbes reported that the consumption of cannabis in the "immediate vicinity" of those under 18 or within a 200-metre radius of schools, playgrounds, children’s facilities, pedestrian zones and publicly accessible sports facilities between 7:AM and 8:PM could incur fines or criminal charges.

In addition, the draft bill will also allow for the establishment of cannabis growers’ associations (Anbauvereinigungen) to onboard up to 500 members, each of whom will be eligible to receive up to 25 grams of cannabis per day or 50 grams per month, according to Forbes.

Those members can also be supplied by associations with a maximum of seven seeds or five cuttings per month for personal growth at home, which can be imported.

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The number of associations in a district or “urban area” can be regulated by the German government, Forbes reported, allowing just one association per 6,000 inhabitants.

The draft bill aims to encourage other European countries to follow suit with a similar model after Malta and Luxembourg recently legalised the drug for personal use. The Czech Republic also recently announced plans to legalise cannabis after Berlin.

[Via Forbes]

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter