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Berlin – Stricter rules are coming for the future permitted cultivation of cannabis in clubs. The Federal Council today approved the corresponding changes to the legalization law, which only recently came into force, which the federal government had promised to the states. An attached resolution recommended by the Home Affairs Committee was not adopted.
The adjustments approved by the Federal Council aim to ensure that the cultivation groups that will be possible from July 1st do not turn into large plantations. Among other things, licenses may be refused if cultivated areas are in a “structural association” or in close proximity to other associations. Furthermore, at the request of the states, club inspections can be carried out in a more flexible manner – instead of “annually”, they must be carried out “regularly”.
The law approved by the Bundestag also stipulates that a planned initial assessment of the consequences of releasing cannabis should, in addition to the protection of children and young people, also clarify the quantities of possession now permitted. In general, private adult consumption and cultivation of cannabis has been legal since April 1, with numerous requirements.
The rules on cannabis for drivers, which have also been approved by the Bundestag, are expected to be presented to the Federal Council on July 5. In future, a limit of 3.5 nanograms per milliliter of blood will be applied to the intoxicating active ingredient THC when driving – similar to the 0.5 per mille limit for alcohol. Stricter rules should apply to novice drivers and mixed use of cannabis and alcohol. The new limit, including fines for infractions, is expected to come into force in the summer.
The amending law is based on an initiative by government factions in the Bundestag and implements a protocol declaration made by the Federal Government at a plenary session of the Bundesrat in March, before the Cannabis Law was approved in the state chamber.
The Federal Council also today pushed for strict regulations on the sale of laughing gas to children and young people. On a Resolution Countries point out the significant health risks of consumption. Nitrous oxide cartridges are now being offered in vending machines specifically for young people. Increasing abuse must be prevented as quickly as possible.
At its meeting, the Federal Council approved an ordinance amending the annex to the New Psychoactive Substances Law. It lists chemical variants of psychoactive substances that the federal government has classified as dangerous to the population. The regulation aims to combat the spread and misuse of these substances.
With the accompanying regulation, the Federal Council urges the Federal Government to restrict the sale of nitrous oxide (nitrous oxide), especially to children and young people, to the extent that misuse is avoided. It calls on the federal government to examine the extent to which this objective can be achieved by including nitrous oxide in the annex to the New Psychoactive Substances Act. © dpa/aha/aerzteblatt.de