If Trump Tramples Marijuana Laws, Germany Set to Lead

In 1996, California passed Prop 215, the Golden State’s medical cannabis law. Since that time the United States has set a global precedent for the advancement of cannabis policy, but the forward progression towards greater cannabis freedom could be compromised under a new federal policy, if U.S. Press Secretary Sean Spicer is to be believed.

On November 8th, 2016, the United States elected a new president, Donald J. Trump, who has been pushing forward an extremely conservative agenda on many political fronts. Many in the cannabis activist community are concerned the hard work that has brought the country this far along will be stymied or undone.

The United States is not immune to the swinging pendulum of politics, and may be facing a situation similar to that of Canada in the last decade. After a rash of progressive drug policies, the federal government of Canada cracked down on operations, limiting medical cannabis production and sales. Should the same thing happen in the U.S., the eyes of the global cannabis community will begin looking strongly to Europe. Specifically, cannabis entrepreneurs are closely watching the unfolding policies in Germany.

This past month, the German parliament passed laws which will open up medical cannabis access in one of the world’s strongest economies. The move has received wide-ranging support from different political factions, including the Federal Ministry of Health. With such an inclusive base, it is likely that medical cannabis will be treated just like other medicines – meaning cannabis can be covered under German health insurance plans.

Covering cannabis under existing health care plans certainly would be a tremendous policy for the rest of the world to follow. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is hinting at greater enforcement against recreational marijuana and is actively working to rid the United States of the Affordable Care Act, insinuating that a similar situation in the U.S. is highly unlikely in the near future.

The International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin this April 10-12 presents a critical and timely opportunity to find out how policies are progressing in Germany and the rest of Europe. Anyone who is interested in participating in the unfolding global cannabis community won’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime event. Get your tickets today!