In the current coalition agreement for 2021-2025, the federal government decided on "the controlled distribution of cannabis for recreational purposes to adults in licensed specialty stores."
In April 2023, a new key issues paper was presented for the controlled distribution of recreational cannabis to adults, featuring a two-pillar plan that delays the original timetable for legalization. Instead of a comprehensive legalization plan, cannabis is to be legalized in two separate legislative proposals, one after the other.
The 1st pillar consists of the decriminalization and legalization of personal consumption and the cultivation of up to three plants, as well as the establishment of non-profit cultivation associations. The Cannabis Act (CanG) is set to come into effect on April 1. More information is available on the Health Ministry's website (https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/service/gesetze-und-verordnungen/detail/cannabisgesetz.html).
The 2nd pillar concerns regional scientific pilot projects with commercial supply chains, which are limited to a period of five years for volunteer cities and regions. Many specific details on implementation and scope are still missing. The draft law is still in progress and requires the approval of the European Commission as part of the notification process. Due to this process, it is difficult to say when the full legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes will be implemented.