Germany Decriminalizes Cannabis

A bill to decriminalize and legalize cannabis has been passed in the Bundesrat (the Federal Council of Germany), which represents the 16 federal states of Germany, after previously being approved by the Bundestag. According to the law, starting from April 1, storage and cultivation of this drug will be allowed. Notably, in the Bundesrat, a vote was held to send the bill for further approval to a committee of the German parliament, but the required number of votes for such a step was not obtained, leading to the cancellation of the vote there. Thus, the law for legalizing cannabis has passed its final stage and will take effect on April 1. German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach stated before the vote that if the new law fails to pass, it would be "a great day for the black market." Representatives from several federal states also expressed strong criticism of the legislation.