After Germany’s cabinet greenlit new legislation permitting the recreational use and cultivation of cannabis, predictions have emerged that the rest of Europe, including the UK, may follow suit.
The German proposal, pending approval by the Bundestag—which is anticipated by year’s end—includes measures to legalize the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis for recreational use. It would also permit individuals to cultivate a limited number of cannabis plants and establish ‘cannabis clubs’ for larger-scale cultivation.
Since Germany enacted a 2017 law legalizing medicinal cannabis use, it has emerged as a potential model for market expansion in other nations.
Following Germany’s example, the UK legalized medical cannabis in November 2018. Since then, patient numbers have been increasing, estimated at around a thousand new patients each month.
The potential effectiveness of Germany’s proposed laws in diminishing black market sales, coupled with scientific assessments of cannabis use effects—including the extensive Project Twenty21—could likely sway future policy in the UK and beyond.
“Much of Europe is likely to emulate Germany’s approach. Even though we’ve exited the EU, it wouldn’t be surprising for the UK to trail by a few years,” commented Jon Robson, CEO of UK medical cannabis clinic Mamedica.
European cannabis companies are poised to closely monitor Germany’s legislative developments. Davinder Rao, CEO of licensed cannabis cultivator and supplier Hellenic Dynamics PLC, is among them.
Rao highlighted the importance of understanding the evolving dynamics between recreational and medicinal cannabis use, speculating this could potentially accelerate cannabis adoption in Germany and other markets for treating medical conditions.
Neurologist Professor Mike Barnes, who instructs doctors on medical cannabis prescriptions, praised the proposed German law as a “sensible but safe approach to drug policy and harm reduction.”
He expressed hope that the UK government would promptly adopt a similar policy.
Barnes attributes the UK’s cautious embrace of medical cannabis to regulatory reservations, among other factors.
Robson suggested that Germany’s initiatives could demonstrate the economic growth potential through new revenues, lawful employment, and ensuing tax contributions, while also helping to destigmatize cannabis use.
He emphasized the necessity for strong regulations to counter abuse and misuse, as well as educational initiatives to enlighten the public on responsible consumption and make them aware of the health benefits and risks.
Both Barnes and Robson raised concerns regarding the quality and consistency of cannabis supplied for medicinal use in the UK.
“Striking the right equilibrium between accessibility and regulation is crucial to reaping the advantages of legalization while minimizing unintended adverse consequences,” Robson noted.
He further posited that if these issues are addressed, the thriving medical market will inevitably set the stage for adult recreational sales, mirroring trends seen in North America and parts of Europe, where some nations are already drafting legislation for sales by 2024.
