Germany unveils plan to liberalize cannabis with caveats

Germany’s health minister has revealed plans to decriminalize possession of up to 30 grams (1 ounce) of cannabis and allow the substance to be sold to adults for recreational purposes.

There is still a question mark over whether the plan approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday will go ahead as the government first wants to make sure it is compatible with the European Union and international law. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said the plan calls for the sale of cannabis to adults at licensed outlets in order to combat the black market.

The legalization of controlled cannabis sales is one of a series of reforms outlined in last year’s coalition agreement between the three social liberal parties that make up Chancellor Olaf Schulz’s government.