Skip to main content
Amsterdam the Netherlands

Cannabis Commerce Experiment In The Netherlands Will Not Include Amsterdam

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Cannabis trials, which permit consumers, growers, and retailers to participate in legal cannabis commerce for research purposes, were first proposed in the Netherlands in 2017 as part of a governing coalition agreement. The first trials officially launched in Breda and Tilburg in December 2023 after many delays.

Arnhem, Almere, Groningen, Heerlen, Hellevoetsluis, Maastricht, Nijmegen, and Zaanstad are other municipalities in the Netherlands selected for cannabis trials. However, a proposal to expand the cannabis trials to include the Amsterdam-Oost district was recently denied by members of the Netherlands Parliament.

Another set of motions, which would have either permanently ended cannabis trials in the Netherlands, or temporarily halted the public policy experiment, was also considered and denied by members of the Netherlands Parliament.

The set of motions was supported by members of the PVV, the largest party in the current governing coalition following recent elections. The proposal to permanently end cannabis pilot projects lost by a vote of 110-40, and the proposal to temporarily halt the pilot programs less than four months after they initially launched lost by a vote of 99-51.

Adult-use regional cannabis commerce pilot programs are already operating in multiple jurisdictions in Switzerland, and are also being proposed in Germany as part of the nation’s legalization model. German pilot programs are part of the ‘second pillar’ or phase of Germany’s legalization plan.

Such programs serve as a public policy experiment in which limited cannabis commerce is permitted to gather data and other information. In theory, the research gathered as part of an adult-use regional cannabis commerce pilot program can be used by lawmakers and regulators to be better suited when crafting national policies, rules, and regulations.

“The aim of the experiment is to ascertain whether or not it is possible to regulate a quality-controlled supply of cannabis to coffee shops and to study the effects of a regulated supply chain on crime, safety, public nuisance and public health. In order to allow the experiment to take place, special legislation must be adopted.” the Netherlands’ government stated when pilot programs were first proposed.

On January 22, 2019, the nation’s House of Representatives adopted a controlled cannabis supply chain experiment measure, followed by passage in the Senate on November 12, 2019. That afforded some of the estimated 570 cannabis-selling coffee shops in the country a path to participate in the eventual trials.

The initial timeline to launch the trials was 2021, however, that did not happen. The same was true for 2022, with the year coming and going and the Netherlands seeming to be no closer to achieving the full implementation of initial cannabis trials. The delays were reportedly due to a lack of legal supply at the time.

At one point in 2023, it appeared that the whole year would be lost to more delays, with the nation’s Health Minister Ernst Kuipers indicating that they did not want to roll out the trials in phases. A phased implementation was ultimately pursued. There appears to be no official timeline for the launch of additional pilot programs in the Netherlands.

rob pero icia

Indigenous Nations Are Making Strides In The International Cannabis Industry

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

The legal cannabis industry has evolved considerably in recent years. It has gone from an industry made up of several silo industries operating at a local level to an international community of emerging cannabis companies, with more entrepreneurs and investors joining every day.

The cannabis import and export markets are increasing in size as a result. Tribal Nations and Indigenous-led cannabis companies in North America, while still underrepresented in the cannabis industry, are at the forefront of international cannabis imports and exports.

Such entities act with autonomy due to tribal sovereignty, giving them a distinct advantage at both producing cannabis for export, as well as creating opportunities for international players looking to do business in North America.

A great example is Indigenous-owned All Nations Cannabis. All Nations Cannabis completed its first export to the international market in 2023. The company, in partnership with Shxwhá:y Village, became a vertically integrated business in 2022, producing and selling cannabis both at their own retail outlets and abroad.

“We’ve continued to grow high-quality cannabis and we’ve put that cannabis into two brands that we’ve launched, our All Nations premium brand, and Uncle Bob, our secondary brand, and we are selling through the provincial distribution system throughout Canada.” Darwin Douglas, CEO of All Nations Cannabis, told The Abbotsford News back in April 2023.

“I think it’s a huge accomplishment as a licensed producer operating not only on First Nations land, but also just as a licensed producer in the Fraser Valley to be making these big moves on the export front.” Douglas also stated at the time. “So we are really, really proud of our team, and all the hard work that’s gone into this, and excited for what the future holds on the export markets.”

Helping drive the Indigenous cannabis industry forward is the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA). A first-of-its-kind organization, the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association exists to promote the exploration, development, and advancement of the cannabis industry for the benefit of all Indigenous communities.

ICIA is dedicated to the advocacy and empowerment of Indigenous cannabis businesses, influencers, and aspiring entrepreneurs along with being a conduit of connection and data for Indigenous Nations as they push towards a vision of an equitable, just, and sustainable Indigenous cannabis economy.

Founded by cannabis entrepreneur and member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians Rob Pero in August 2022, ICIA creates opportunities for Indigenous people in cannabis and empowers the Indigenous community through policy, programming, and outreach initiatives.

In 2016 the National Congress of American Indians passed a resolution approving cannabis production to promote tribal self-determination and self-governance, create job opportunities, strengthen tribal governance, and promote equity in the cannabis industry. The current legal landscape of the cannabis industry is complex.

Tribal corporations are eligible to establish a ‘Foreign Trade Zone’ according to the U.S. Department of the Interior. A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a designated geographical area where foreign and domestic goods are treated, for tax and tariff purposes, as if they had never entered the United States. It’s an important distinction for cannabis imports and exports and is one of the many areas of public policy and industry regulations that the ICIA helps its members navigate.

Members of ICIA are also given access to ICIA’s network of Tribal Nations, industry partners, advocacy groups, mentors, businesses, and aspiring entrepreneurs to help navigate the complex landscape of tribal, state, and federal policy and to provide resources for Tribal governments and Indigenous people to design and advocate for equitable cannabis policies.

“In the rapidly evolving landscape of the international cannabis industry, the most significant yet untapped opportunity lies within the Indigenous cannabis sector. As founder of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association and a member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians, I am proud to say that our communities and partners are pioneering a collaborative approach towards this burgeoning industry,” said Pero. “We are committed to engaging in all aspects of the cannabis industry at the highest level, prioritizing public safety and wellness, while also recognizing the profound economic and workforce development potential. By activating our sovereign rights and abilities to self-determine sustainable commerce in emerging industries, Indigenous Nations are not only building global relationships but also setting a precedent for equity, justice, and sustainability in the cannabis economy.”

ICIA serves Tribal Nations and Indigenous-led businesses as the leading Indigenous trade association in the nation, working to develop Indian Country’s roadmap for federal, state, and local lobbying and advocacy while providing technical assistance to tribes and their members for optimum access to cannabis industry resources.

“Our journey represents a pivotal shift from Indigenous-led cannabis efforts operating locally to a formidable presence in the international market, as demonstrated by milestones like All Nations Cannabis’s first international export,” said Pero. “This is just the beginning. Together, we are charting a course for a future where Indigenous-led cannabis businesses thrive, contributing to the wellness of our communities and the global economy.”

Rob Pero will be presenting at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, Germany. The event, which is the largest and longest-running of its kind in Europe, takes place on April 16-17 at the iconic Estrel Berlin Hotel. Register today to come learn more about Rob Pero and the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association along with several other world-class speakers. Space is limited, so purchase your tickets as soon as possible before the event sells out.

Featured image via the Indigenous Cannabis Business Association

pakistan flag pakistan flag

Pakistan Approves Creation Of Cannabis Regulatory Agency

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Pakistan may not be the first country that you think of when it comes to the emerging international cannabis industry, however, the nation is making strides to establish itself as an international cannabis player.

That is evidenced by the recent approval of a historic measure for Pakistan, which will, among other things, authorize the country to create a regulatory agency to oversee the nation’s legal cannabis industry once it is operating. Per Hum News:

President Dr Arif Alvi has given his nod to the promulgation of the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2024, a significant move aimed at regulating the cultivation, extraction, manufacturing, and sale of cannabis derivatives for medical and industrial purposes.

The ordinance, officially titled the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2024, aligns with Pakistan’s commitment as a signatory to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961. It mandates the establishment of a government agency to oversee the cultivation and production of cannabis, in accordance with international conventions.

The new agency will be known as the ‘Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority’ and will reportedly involve a 13-member board of governors, chaired by Pakistan’s Secretary of the Defense Division. The board will incorporate representatives from several government departments, the industry itself, and Pakistan’s intelligence agencies.

Cannabis industry licenses in Pakistan are expected to be valid for five-year periods, and a maximum harvest threshold of .3% THC will be enforced. Pakistan first approved hemp farming and related industrial processing back in September 2020.

Pakistan’s main exports are currently textiles, cotton, yarn, rice, and leather products. An industry projection from August 2022 estimated that a thriving hemp industry in Pakistan could be worth multiple billions of dollars annually. Many kush cannabis strains originated in the Pakistan region.

Germany German Clock

What Happens Next For German Legalization?

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

Members of Germany’s Bundestag recently approved a long-awaited adult-use cannabis legalization measure. The successful vote occurred roughly 2.5 years after Germany’s current governing coalition was first elected and members of the coalition collectively expressed their desire to get such a measure passed.

The recent legalization vote in the Bundestag, which was 407 to 226, was a major victory for Germany’s cannabis movement. Germany is the largest country by far to have ever passed a national adult-use legalization measure.

Germany’s population is roughly 83 million people. The other countries to have passed a national legalization measure (Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg) have a combined population of roughly 43 million people.

The successful vote is a huge milestone, however, it does not mark the finish line for German legalization. For starters, the approved measure must now be considered by Germany’s Federal Council (Bundesrat). The Bundesrat’s approval is not required, however, the legislative body does have the option to challenge the measure.

As it stands, portions of Germany’s legalization measure pertaining to personal freedoms are expected to go into effect on April 1, 2024, with the launch of noncommercial cannabis clubs expected at the beginning of July of this year. However, a challenge by the Bundestrat could delay implementation.

“It is possible that the implementation of the draft law may take some additional time depending on the decision of the Federal Council (Bundesrat) whether it refers the draft law to a mediation committee for further consideration of amendments. This could prolong the whole legalization process even for a couple of months.” stated Peter Homberg, Partner at Dentons.

Per initial reporting by RND, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) does expect constitutional challenges against the planned legalization of cannabis consumption, although he expects that the law will stand up to challenges.

Something that advocates should push for in Germany is the immediate suspension of enforcement of prohibition on individuals when they are within the parameters of the recently approved law. With legalization now inevitable in Germany, subjecting anyone to enforcement is a waste of the courts’ time, in addition to it being harmful to the consumer. Many legal states in the U.S. have taken this sensible approach.

Another thing that advocates need to push for is for Germany’s government to remove personal cannabis offenses from people’s records, which German Health Minister Lauterbach recently spoke about:

“Without amnesty, what would be our message to those convicted of cannabis? “As far as the legislature is concerned, you haven’t done anything wrong, but the punishment remains because the courts don’t want to do the work with you.” Legalization will soon relieve the burden on the courts.” Minister Lauterbach stated in a social media post (translated from German to English).

Advocates also need to keep holding lawmakers accountable in Germany to make good on the planned second phase/pillar of the nation’s legalization model, which involves the launch of regional adult-use cannabis pilot programs.

The pilot programs, combined with noncommercial cannabis clubs and home cultivation, will serve as the backbone for sourcing legal cannabis in Germany for the foreseeable future.

Greece Flag

First Medical Cannabis Prescription Issued In Greece

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Greece was one of the first European nations to reschedule medical cannabis back in 2017. The goal of rescheduling was to allow suffering patients to safely access medical cannabis products via a prescription.

However, it was not until recent days that Greece issued its first medical cannabis prescription. Anesthetists, neurologists, and pathologists specializing in cancer, infections, and rheumatism are permitted to prescribe medical cannabis.

Medical cannabis can be prescribed for nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and combination therapy against HIV or hepatitis C, as well as chronic pain, spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries, and as an appetite suppressant in palliative care.

“What can I say about this day? A very big thank you, relief, vindication, freedom to live. I was among the first to get the prescription via the electronic prescription system and I didn’t expect it, I couldn’t believe it. I burst into tears…an end to the risks and fear.” stated Anna Panga, Greece’s first patient to receive a medical cannabis prescription.

European Union agreements permit member nations to allow medical cannabis sales. Unfortunately, that was not the case for many years and Europe’s medical cannabis industry is still young by many measures. With the rise of adult-use cannabis reform, Europe’s medical cannabis industry landscape will continue to evolve.

Adult-use reform is gaining momentum in Europe after the recent successful vote in Germany’s Bundestag, and while adult-use legalization is likely far off from happening in Greece, the timeline for such reform occurring may be shorter now thanks to the historic vote in Germany and the ‘butterfly effect’ it provides all European countries.

In the meantime, Greece’s medical cannabis industry will continue to expand, albeit slowly. Many suffering patients in Greece are still left on the outside looking in. Greece’s list of qualifying conditions is limited, and that, in turn, will continue to limit Greece’s medical cannabis industry’s potential.

euros money currency

Is The Cannabis Experiment In The Netherlands In Trouble?

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Regional adult-use cannabis commerce trials, which permit consumers, growers, and retailers to participate in legal cannabis commerce for research purposes, were first proposed in the Netherlands in 2017 as part of a governing coalition agreement. Due to a series of delays, trials were not launched until December 2023.

Despite the nation’s cannabis trials being very new in the Netherlands, lawmakers in the European country are already trying to end the cannabis public policy experiment. According to domestic reporting, the nation’s largest political party, PVV, wants to pause the trials until a new governing coalition agreement is finalized.

The ChristenUnie, SGP, and CDA political parties also oppose cannabis trials in the Netherlands. Cannabis trials are still supported by the GroenLinks-PvdA, D66, and VVD parties.

Cannabis and the Netherlands have a long history, with the nation’s capital Amsterdam serving as one of the top international cannabis tourist destinations for several decades. Coffeeshops selling cannabis products are common in Amsterdam.

Such entities are historically ‘tolerated’ versus being outright legal. Public policy in the Netherlands has historically been disconnected from reality when it comes to cannabis, and the trials are a means to try to start bridging the gap.

“The aim of the experiment is to ascertain whether or not it is possible to regulate a quality-controlled supply of cannabis to coffee shops and to study the effects of a regulated supply chain on crime, safety, public nuisance and public health. In order to allow the experiment to take place, special legislation must be adopted.” the Netherlands’ government previously stated.

In September 2019, ten municipalities were selected for participation in cannabis trials, although legislation was still needed to allow the trials to proceed. On January 22, 2019, the nation’s House of Representatives adopted a controlled cannabis supply chain experiment measure, followed by passage in the Senate on November 12, 2019. That afforded some of the estimated 570 cannabis-selling coffee shops in the country a path to participate in the eventual trials.

The initial timeline to launch the trials was 2021, however, that did not happen. The same was true for 2022, with the year coming and going and the Netherlands seeming to be no closer to achieving the full implementation of initial cannabis trials. The delays were reportedly due to a lack of legal supply.

At one point in 2023, it appeared that the whole year would be lost to more delays, with the nation’s Health Minister Ernst Kuipers indicating that they did not want to roll out the trials in phases. However, the trials did launch in December 2023 in Breda and Tilburg.

Arnhem, Almere, Groningen, Heerlen, Hellevoetsluis, Maastricht, Nijmegen, and Zaanstad are other municipalities in the Netherlands that were selected for cannabis trials.

Cannabis trials are not unique to the Netherlands. Multiple cannabis trials are already underway in Switzerland, such as in cities like Zurich and Basel, with more expected to be launched during 2024. Cannabis trials are also planned for several jurisdictions in Germany as part of the second phase of the nation’s legalization plan.

canada flag

Canada Creates Forum To Discuss Cannabis Industry Challenges

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Canada is currently home to the largest national adult-use cannabis market on earth. Lawmakers in Canada approved a national adult-use legalization measure back in 2018, and since that time, Canada has served as the ultimate ‘cannabis policy experiment’ on the planet.

The emerging legal cannabis industry in Canada has experienced several ups and downs, but by most measures, the nation’s adult-use industry has been a success. Canada’s government recently announced the launch of a forum to discuss the various challenges facing Canada’s legal cannabis industry.  Below is more information about it via Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada:

The Government of Canada legalized recreational cannabis and strictly regulates the cannabis industry, which has led to many economic opportunities and challenges.

An efficient and sustainable legal cannabis industry is essential to achieving the objectives of the Cannabis Act, including preventing youth access to cannabis, protecting public health and safety, and reducing criminal activity and the burden on the criminal justice system.

To help this new industry address key issues and opportunities, the Government of Canada has created the Cannabis Industry Forum (the Forum). The Forum is composed of nine leaders who have business activities across the cannabis industrial ecosystem, which includes the cultivation and processing of cannabis as well as logistics surrounding its sale. This platform will help industry leaders exchange information and insights to address key issues and opportunities, with a specific focus on fostering economic growth and long-term stability by upholding the public health and safety goals outlined in the Cannabis Act, while reducing the illicit cannabis market.

Hugo Alves, CEO, Founder and Director of Auxly Cannabis Group Inc., chairs the Forum. The membership also includes:

  • Philippe Dépault, President and Founder, Québec Craft Cannabis Inc.
  • Taylor Giovannini, President and Founder, Oceanic Releaf Inc.
  • Beena Goldenberg, CEO, Organigram Holdings Inc.
  • Raj Grover, Founder, President and CEO, High Tide Inc.
  • David Klein, CEO, Canopy Growth Corporation
  • Miguel Martin, CEO, Aurora Cannabis Inc.
  • Rosy Mondin, President of Soma Labs Scientific Inc. and Director of Cannaworld Ventures Inc.
  • Tyler Robson, President of Cannabis, SNDL Inc.
Quotes

“For Canada to be a leader in this global economy, we require the ability to adapt to new industries and sectors that benefit Canadians. The Cannabis Industry Forum helps create innovative solutions to barriers that exist in this industry. Through active collaboration, Canada is working with industry leaders to become an innovator and leader in this changing economy.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

Quick facts
  • On November 24, 2022, the Government of Canada announced the members of the expert panel on the legislative review of the Cannabis Act.
  • The Cannabis Act, which came into force on October 17, 2018, put in place a modern cannabis control framework to strictly regulate and restrict access to cannabis in Canada.
  • Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in October 2018, the cannabis industry has helped displace the illicit market by up to 70%.
  • Since spring 2023, the Forum has had preliminary meetings to discuss a range of topics. The members also engaged with Morris Rosenberg, Chair of the expert panel leading the legislative review of the Cannabis Act.
Associated links
germany-flag

Germany Votes To Legalize Cannabis For Adults

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

Over two years after Germany’s current governing coalition was elected and announced plans to pass a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure, members of the German Bundestag have officially approved the adult-use legalization bill (CanG) by a 407-226 vote.

As was widely expected, the measure received sufficient votes earlier today in the Bundestag to pass, and components of the new German adult-use cannabis legalization law are expected to be implemented on April 1, 2024.

The measure’s approval comes after considerable discussions were held between the measure’s author, German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, and representatives from the European Union. The legalization bill faced opposition by various domestic lawmakers in Germany, however, efforts to derail the measure leading up to today’s vote failed.

According to the recently passed bill, adults in Germany will be able to cultivate up to three plants in private for personal use. Personal cultivation is expected to create considerable opportunities for companies that specialize in cultivation-related products and services such as seeds, grow lights, plant nutrients, harvesting equipment, odor control, and drying equipment.

In addition to being able to cultivate cannabis, adults in Germany will be able to possess a personal amount of cannabis. The possession limit will reportedly be set at 25 grams for adults when they are away from their private residence, and 50 grams at their private residence.

In addition to the expressed legal possession limit, penalties for possessing slightly more than the legal threshold will be considered an ‘administrative violation’ rather than a criminal offense yielding jail time.

Cannabis will be removed from Germany’s Narcotics List once the new law is implemented, marking a significant shift in German cannabis policy. The de-listing of cannabis will improve safe access for medical cannabis patients by removing various hurdles in the medical cannabis supply chain and streamlining processes for pharmacies. Cannabis research will be easier to pursue, and academic institutions may begin to receive national and/or EU-provided funds for specific research projects.

Noncommercial cannabis clubs are expected to launch as early as July 1, 2024, as part of the measure. Membership-based noncommercial clubs, from which adult consumers can legally source their cannabis, will be subjected to various regulations. Consumers will also be able to purchase seeds and clones from noncommercial clubs.

One of the sticking points leading up to today’s successful vote was the implementation of noncommercial clubs, and part of the coalition’s compromise is to reportedly stagger the implementation date.

“Cannabis had been banned in Germany since 1929, and even the cultivation of industrial hemp from 1982-1996. It then took over two decades until at least the medical potential of cannabis was recognized in Germany and patients were given access to medical cannabis through a legal reform. It took another 7 years, until today, until at least the possession of 25 g and the cultivation of three own plants was allowed. In so far, we can speak of an once-in-a-hundred-years event, provided of course that the CanG also clears the hurdle of the Federal Council. However, there is still a long way to go before complete destigmatization and fair legalization are achieved. Neither the consumers, nor the activists, nor the industry must let up on this path, but must continue to do everything in their power every day to ensure that this path can be taken successfully.” stated Kai Friedrich Niermann, leading attorney at KFN+ Law Office, about today’s historic vote.

All of the previously listed items are part of the ‘first phase’ of Germany’s legalization plan, often referred to as ‘the first pillar.’ The second phase/pillar involves the launch of regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot programs, similar to what is already in place in Switzerland, but on a significantly larger scale. Nationwide adult-use sales, similar to what is in place in Canada, will have to wait due to European Union restrictions.

“After a long discussion regarding the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes in Germany, the German parliament has today passed the “Cannabisgestz”. This is a major step in the German legalization process and the government intends to implement the law to become effective on April 1, 2024 to allow home grow and from July 1,2024 to allow the cultivation of recreational cannabis in community cultivation associations. However, it is possible that the implementation of the draft law may take some additional time depending on the decision of the Federal Council (Bundesrat) whether it refers the draft law to a mediation committee for further consideration of amendments. This could prolong the whole legalization process even for a couple of months.” stated Peter Homberg, Partner at Dentons, about today’s vote.

Per initial reporting by RND, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) does expect constitutional challenges against the planned legalization of cannabis consumption, although he expects that the law will stand up in court.

bundestag berlin germany bundestag berlin germany

Key Committee Approves German Legalization Measure Ahead Of Friday Vote

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

Going into this week, the eyes of the global cannabis community were fixed on Germany, where members of the Bundestag are expected to finally vote on a long-awaited adult-use cannabis legalization measure. While the final vote is still expected to occur on Friday, a key smaller vote occurred today, and the outcome was favorable.

Members of the Health Committee approved the measure, which in its most current form, would legalize cannabis cultivation, possession, and consumption by adults. Cannabis will be removed from Germany’s Narcotics List as part of the measure, and noncommercial cannabis clubs will be permitted to operate.

The measure now moves to a floor vote in the Bundestag:

If/when members of the Bundestag approve the measure on Friday, it will have to go back to the Bundesrat for further consideration. The Bundesrat does not have to approve the measure, however, it can refer the measure to a mediation committee that may slow down implementation. The Bundesrat previously approved a former version of the legalization measure back in October.

According to original reporting by Marijuana Moment, Minister Lauterbach could have struck a deal to avoid a referral to a mediation committee in exchange for extending the law’s implementation timeline, however, Minster Lauterbach has made it clear that he feels the measure will survive any legal challenges. Per RND:

Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) expects constitutional challenges against the planned legalization of cannabis consumption. Although he expects lawsuits, the law will stand up in court, he told the Düsseldorf “Rheinische Post”.

It is a truly historic week in Germany, and assuming the Bundestag approves the measure in a vote on Friday, cannabis would become legal for adults in Germany on April 1st of this year.