The recent EU meeting in Germany has resulted in a watered-down version of cannabis liberalization. This decision has caused some controversy, as many believe that cannabis should be legalized in order to reduce the harms associated with its criminalization.
The German government had initially proposed a plan to decriminalize possession and sale of up to 15 grams of cannabis for personal use. However, this plan was met with strong opposition from other EU countries, particularly France and the Netherlands, who argued that such a move would undermine their own efforts to limit access to the drug. In response, the German government agreed to a compromise that would allow for the sale of cannabis in licensed shops, but only for medical purposes.
This decision has been met with criticism from both sides of the debate. Proponents of cannabis liberalization argue that the decision does not go far enough in reducing the harms associated with criminalization, such as incarceration, and that it fails to address the issue of access to the drug for recreational purposes. On the other hand, opponents of cannabis liberalization argue that the decision is too lenient and could lead to increased use of the drug, as well as increased health risks associated with its use.
The debate over cannabis liberalization is likely to continue in the coming months and years, as more countries consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of legalizing the drug. In the meantime, it is important to remember that the German government’s decision is only a first step towards a more progressive approach to cannabis policy. It is also important to recognize that the decision is a compromise and that it may not be the best solution for everyone involved. Ultimately, it is up to each individual country to decide how to approach cannabis policy, and the German government’s decision is only one example of a possible approach.