Cannabis law signed
Schwesig does Steinmeier’s job
March 27, 2024, 5:47 p.m
The cannabis law is causing debate, and there is even talk of a violation of the constitution. But the law makes it through the Federal Council and is finally signed by Steinmeier. However, since the Federal President is on vacation, his representative signs.
After its adoption in the state chamber, the Federal President’s Office raised no objections to the law on the partial liberalization of cannabis. Representing Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is on vacation, Federal Council President and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig signed the law. After publication in the Federal Law Gazette, it can come into force as planned on April 1st.
The examination showed that “there are no constitutional concerns that prevent it from being issued,” said the Federal President’s Office. “The order for publication in the Federal Law Gazette has been given.” According to the information, Schwesig also signed the Growth Opportunities Act and the Second Budget Financing Act.
What will be allowed in the future?
The law, which came about after decades of discussions, represents a turning point in German drug policy. It allows possession and cultivation of the drug by adults, with numerous requirements for personal consumption. The law will allow the possession of 25 grams of dried cannabis in public spaces to remain unpunished in the future. The cultivation and distribution of the drug should be made possible through cultivation associations. When growing at home, up to 50 grams and three plants are allowed.
At the weekend, Union representatives asked Steinmeier to stop the controversial cannabis law by not signing it. Her health policy spokesman Tino Sorge told the editorial network Germany: “The law should be stopped for the time being after the chaotic debate of the last few weeks. It is not too late for that.”
Last week, the Federal Council gave the green light despite concerns from several federal states. However, the Federal President only checks whether a law was formally legally passed and whether it violates the Basic Law. According to the prevailing legal opinion, he is also entitled, within narrow limits, to a substantive right of review. He can then refuse to sign a law if its content clearly violates the Basic Law.
Unlike the law as a whole, the regulations for grower associations only apply from July 1st. This is intended to give states and municipalities sufficient time to prepare.