The fact that a name was created specifically for the consultation process shows that some importance is attached to the project: »Cannabis – but safe«. The process, which starts today, Tuesday, in the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), is intended to precede the legislative process for legalizing cannabis in Germany, which is planned for this year . Around 200 experts from addiction medicine, addiction help, law, business, associations and representatives of the federal, state and local governments are to come together by the end of June.
“The aim of the consultation process is to involve all relevant interest groups as broadly and as structured as possible, all of which should all have an equal and appropriate say,” said Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert. The rounds are not public, but the topics and individual expert statements should be as transparent as possible on the website of the Federal Drug Commissioner . In addition, the final event on June 30th will also be available as a live stream. The fact that the preparatory phase of the legislation is now starting “is a special, a gratifying moment for me personally,” said the SPD politician.
Again and again questions about the concrete start date
Protection of minors and health, sales, cultivation, road traffic regulations, supply chains, taxation – there are many aspects that need to be considered if the controlled tax is actually to be recorded in law. The guest list for the first appointment, which revolves around health and consumer protection, includes the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) and the German Medical Association (BÄK), as well as the ABDA . The German Hemp Association is also there, as is the Federal Association of Consumer Centers and other experts.
The ABDA will also be there when tomorrow, Wednesday, is about youth protection and prevention. At the end of June (June 28), the experts will then discuss supply chains as well as ecological and economic issues. On June 29th it will be about criminal liability, control measures and licensing. In the last hearing (June 30) there will be an exchange on international experiences. The lists of participants for the last two dates have not yet been published.
Since Blienert took office in January 2022, he has been particularly concerned with the planned legalization of cannabis. This is roughly laid down in the traffic light coalition agreement, without details being given there. Often asked for a specific start date, the SPD politician repeatedly emphasized that the complexity of the matter required time. Blienert also announced the start of concrete preparations in a PZ interview. The five hearings should create the basis for a key issues paper, which should then form the basis for the planned draft law.
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