Düsseldorf, Germany, Moves Forward with Cannabis Legalization

Cannabis law reform can move at a very rapid pace once the momentum for legalization takes hold. While it can be extremely frustrating that such an obviously failed policy like cannabis prohibition can exist, it is very important for advocates to appreciate the relative speed of our progress and to capitalize on our gains. The recent advances in Germany are just the latest example of great success on the international stage, with theDüsseldorf City Council moving forward with plans to legalize as just the latest example.

Deutsche Welle, Germany’s international public broadcast company, reported on DW.com:

The Düsseldorf City Council has taken advice from experts on plans to legalize the sale of cannabis. It hopes to use scientific research to gain the approval it needs from the federal government.

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Berlin’s Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg borough council applied last year to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices for a similar license, but the application was refused on the grounds that it was deemed to be in direct conflict with narcotics law.

Düsseldorf hopes to avoid the same fate by using a scientific study to clarify the effects of legalized cannabis. Should the study show that participants were not negatively affected by their ability to purchase the drug legally, the scheme would be rolled out to all adults.

It is very promising to see such advances in Germany, a world economic power with great influence in the European Union and beyond. With legalized medical cannabis and de facto decriminalization prevalent across the nation, several German localities are considering bold progressive policies that will help shape Germany’s federal policy.

As Deutsche Welle noted, representatives from other German cities, including Cologne and Münster attended the Düsseldorf cannabis policy meeting with experts, a sign that those locales are interested in implementing more sound marijuana policies. With Berlin moving forward with a plan to legalize cannabis coffee shops and Düsseldorf’s pilot proposal, it is clear that Germany will be a hotbed of progressive cannabis news in the months and years to come.

The upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) in Berlin will certainly delve into the latest developments in Germany and the EU. The ICBC is shaping up to be an extremely important international cannabis event that should not be missed by those in the industry or thinking of joining the cannabis industry in Germany or anywhere in the European Union.