Research has shown that the legalization of cannabis (marijuana) by Germany can boost Germany’s economy by the year 2025. This will result in new drug policy changes as being stated by chancellor Olaf Scholz.
It is believed that legalizing cannabis could increase Germany’s annual tax revenue and would enhance the savings up to 3.4 billion euros. The survey was carried out by the Institute for Competition Economics this week.
Olaf Scholz along with his delegates have carried out a discussion with the environmentalist Green party and the free democrats to build a three-way coalition. Negotiators are currently discussing the details and the rules under which cannabis will be regulated in the country.
The survey carried on by the German hemp association and the Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf has also observed that the legalization of marijuana can also open up around 27,000 new job opportunities and bring the cost savings of the police and the judiciary to the count of 1.3 billion euros.
The social democrats have also described the use of the recreational drug as a social reality and included the topic in their political manifesto.
Currently, Cannabis is only allowed for restricted medical purposes but not for any recreational use or sale. However, people caught with small amounts of cannabis are not usually held by the court. It is observed in the country’s Northern regions.
What exactly is cannabis?
Cannabis obtained from the plant Cannabis sativa is a recreational drug. It includes chemicals called cannabinoids including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. The drug is often used for medicinal purposes.
It is useful for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. It also reduces the chances of nerve pains caused by HIV and other health conditions. The drug is banned in many regions. However, it is allowed in UK and Canada as a prescription drug.
Why cannabis is being legalized in Germany?
Calculations have suggested that the market for growing marijuana in Europe would provide a significantly high tax revenue-which will account for 3 billion euros. The initiative will bring an increase in revenue by the year 2025. This has been suggested by the European Cannabis Report by the research group prohibition partners.
Germany consists of a huge population of 83 billion and has the largest economy in Europe. This may pave way for the cannabis market to be the biggest around the world. Luxembourg became the first country to legalize the cultivation and sale of cannabis in the previous month.
The new law suggested by the Luxembourg government allows adults in the country to grow up to four cannabis plants in their gardens. When questioned about the move, the country’s justice minister had stated that they have an issue with drugs. But, cannabis is the most used and integral part of the illegal market.
The Christian Democratic Party’s opinion about the legalization of the drug was however different. The party strictly opposed the legalization of the drug.
When will the legalization of marijuana come in the act?
Germany is now focussing on the legalization of the drug in the home environment. However, the proposal will require the agreement of the members of the parliament and will require a majority of votes to enact into law.
If this happens, Germany will become the first country in Europe to do so. Canada and Uruguay have already legalized cannabis for medicinal purposes.
In North America, a bill has been passed to legalize marijuana. However, reforms have been passed by the Senate. The Republican Member of Congress has introduced the bill recently to legalize and collect tax from marijuana.
In Mexico, the legislature was expected to vote on the bill to regulate marijuana. However, the Supreme Court has invalidated the passing of the bill on constitutional grounds.
edited and proofread by nikita sharma
