Germany moves to legalise cannabis in economy-boosting bid after Merkel departure

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image for Germany moves to legalise cannabis in economy-boosting bid after Merkel departure

Germany election: Juncker reflects on Merkel’s time in office

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The political parties known as the "traffic light" coalition are pushing for a change in legislation meaning the sale of cannabis will be legal for consumption purposes, it is suggested. According to German news outlet Der Spiegel, also citing a report by Funke, a representative of the working group tasked with evaluating the policy change said: "We are introducing the controlled distribution of cannabis to adults for recreational purposes in licensed shops."

The report suggests the policy will be revisited after four years to assess its social impact. A survey, carried out by the Institute for Competition Economics (DICE) at the Dusseldorf Heinrich Heine University, found that a legalised cannabis market in Germany could add around 3.4 billion euros in tax revenue to the nation's economy. It would also save the judicial system in the country around 1.3 billion euros every year. The survey suggests cannabis legalisation could create around 27,000 jobs - a notable boost for Europe's largest economy.

Germany will change its laws on cannabis sale and consumption

This would be a change in drug policy if implemented

The new drug policy is being spearheaded by Olaf Scholz, German chancellor-in-waiting, and his centre-left Social Democrats, in negotiations with the Greens and the more libertarian Free Democrats. The Greens and the Free Democratic Party have long supported a legalised cannabis market regulated by the state. Projections suggest the market for growing cannabis in Europe would provide over 3 billion euros in revenue every year by 2025. READ MORE: Fear as gas prices rise 17% in day after Germany rejects Russian line

The change could legalise cannabis for recreational use

Olaf Scholz is part of the new proposed plans for cannabis legalisation

READ MORE AstraZeneca breakthrough: Covid-killing wonder drug 88% effective Germany has a population of 83 million, which would make the country host to one of the world's largest legal cannabis markets. Last month, Luxembourg became the first country to legalise both growing and using cannabis. Adults in Luxembourg will be allowed to cultivate up to four cannabis plants on their property in a move that could set a European precedent. Luxembourgian Justice Minister Sam Tanson said of the move: “We thought we had to act, we have an issue with drugs and cannabis is the drug that is most used and is a large part of the illegal market.

iampuh on November 19th, 2021 at 00:21 UTC »

Yeah, but why is Merkels face on there? Her party has definitely no contribution in this

wotmate on November 18th, 2021 at 23:52 UTC »

It boggles the mind why more countries don't just legalise and regulate it. First of all, governments can make money from taxing it, and secondly, they can save so much money by not having to pay for police, courts and prisons for something so benign.

Dooder39 on November 18th, 2021 at 22:41 UTC »

Guess the east part of the Netherlands is going to lose it's drugs tourism.

Still good to legalize it though. I always found it odd to criminalize weed, but at the same time legalizing alcohol.