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The power of leaks in political negotiations
Leaks are a classic tactic in politics, used to build public pressure during negotiations. This tactic was recently employed in Germany, where details of Minister Karl Lauterbach's cannabis legalisation plan were leaked to the media. The public outcry against certain provisions of the plan led to its evolution, demonstrating the power of public opinion in shaping policy.
Germany's negotiations with the European Union
Following the presentation of his plan, Minister Lauterbach began lobbying the European Union for permission to proceed with adult-use legalisation. Some provisions of his initial plan were accepted by the EU, while others were not. Approved provisions included home cultivation, possession, noncommercial cannabis clubs, and regional adult-use pilot programs. However, nationwide adult-use sales are still on hold.
Details of the leaked plan
A recent leak has shed light on the current state of domestic negotiations in Germany. The leaked details primarily concern noncommercial cannabis clubs, which will be strictly regulated and function as "cultivation associations".
- All club properties where cannabis is cultivated and/or stored must be tightly secured.
- Every club must have a 'trained addiction and prevention officer'.
- Clubs must comply with residue limits for pesticides and fertilisers.
- Cannabis must be tracked from seed.
- Clubs must report annual crop amounts, including cannabinoid percentage (THC and CBD).
- Membership is limited to club members only.
- There are monthly limits on cannabis possession: 50 grams for those over 21 years old, and 30 grams for those aged 18-20.
- THC percentage is capped for 18-20 year olds (ten percent THC).
- Cannabis must be packaged neutrally and labelled with specific harvest information.
Individual restrictions and medical cannabis provisions
The leaked draft also includes restrictions for individuals and provisions for medical cannabis. Consumption is prohibited within a radius of 250 meters from schools, daycare centres, playgrounds, youth facilities or sports facilities, and in pedestrian zones between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Medical cannabis is to be removed from the scope of the Narcotics Act, and pharmacies are not allowed to cultivate or sell adult-use cannabis under the leaked plan.
The political process continues
While some provisions have sparked outcry, it's important to remember that the political process is far from over. The leaked document is merely a draft, and there is still time for amendments to be made. Now is the time for those in Germany who are passionate about this issue to contact lawmakers and push for necessary changes.
