DinafemSeeds on Nostr: #cannabis #420 #blog This article was published on our blog ...
#cannabis #420 #blog
This article was published on our blog https://www.dinafem.org/en/blog/green-light-for-pilot-research-projects-on-the-impact-of-cannabis-in-germany/ but you can read it in full at #Nostr
GREEN LIGHT FOR PILOT RESEARCH PROJECTS ON THE IMPACT OF CANNABIS IN GERMANY
* The year 2024 has marked a turning point on Germany's path toward cannabis legalisation, setting the stage for regulated models across Europe.
* The legalisation of cannabis for recreational use last April is part of a broader plan that includes evaluating the societal impact of recreational cannabis use.
* In this article, we delve into the current state of Germany's legal framework, the specifics of this model, and its potential impact on public health, the black market, and the economy.
WHERE DOES GERMANY STAND ON CANNABIS LEGALISATION?
While many believe that the legalisation of cannabis for adult use in Germany is a done deal, the truth is that the country is currently implementing "Pillar 1", which decriminalised the consumption and home cultivation of cannabis under certain conditions in April of this year.
However, "Pillar 2" (which would permit the sale of recreational cannabis in specialised stores, among other measures) has yet to be implemented. Many fear it may never see the light of day, as the political environment and early elections in February 2025 have increased uncertainty in the sector.
Therefore, although medical cannabis has been legal in Germany by prescription since 2017, the full legal framework for recreational use remains uncertain.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MODEL PROJECTS IN EVALUATING REGULATED RECREATIONAL USE
Germany's "cannabis model projects" are pilot studies aimed at analysing the effects of the use of recreational cannabis within a controlled legal framework. These studies will gather data on the potential social, economic, and public health effects of legal cannabis access.
The projects are designed to be conducted in collaboration with universities, municipalities, and industry players, and aim to ensure that legalisation progresses safely for users.
GOALS OF THE CANNABIS MODEL PROJECTS IN GERMANY
These studies, which are yet to be carried out, aim to ensure a smooth and socially beneficial transition:
*Evaluating the impact on the black market: A primary goal of legalisation is to redirect consumers toward safe, regulated sources.
*Impact on youth populations: The research will focus on how regulations can prevent minors from accessing recreational cannabis.
*Safe consumption: The focus is on promoting low-risk consumption methods and formats whilst ensuring product safety through different measures (such as contaminant analysis).
GREEN LIGHT TO APPLY FOR MODEL PROJECT LICENSES
Following Germany's removal of cannabis from the list of narcotics this year, a significant milestone was reached on 10th December. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) announced the official signing of an ordinance to make it the regulatory authority for model projects in the country.
This includes the issuance of permits, regulation of trade, and the monitoring of results. This is great news for the 27 municipalities and federal states which are eager to launch these pilot programmes. However, the BMEL clarified that this step does not signify a transition to the long-awaited "Pillar 2" of full cannabis regulation in Germany.
With anti-cannabis parties gaining traction in polls ahead of the February elections, there is growing concern that "Pillar 2" could be overturned by a new government. This has increased pressure to approve pilot programme licenses as quickly as possible. Any research project approved by the BLE cannot be halted by a future government. However, no new research projects can be initiated if the decree is repealed in the future.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE RESEARCH MODEL PROJECTS?
From now on, universities, private companies, and municipalities can all apply for licenses to participate in pilot programmes measuring the impact of adult cannabis use. Applicants must submit detailed plans explaining how they will collect and analyse data.
Cities such as Frankfurt and Hanover have already announced their participation, collaborating with universities and industry players. These entities will offer cannabis to pre-selected citizens through licensed establishments while collecting data on consumer behaviour and potential side effects of cannabis use.
The studies will run for five years, allowing the assessment of the long-term effects of recreational cannabis and the adjustment of certain parameters if necessary.
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Many may wonder why municipalities, and especially private sector companies, are so interested in conducting these pilot programmes. The reality is that these projects could lay the foundation for broader cannabis legalisation in Germany.
The results of these studies could prove that the legalisation of recreational cannabis works better for public health than prohibitionism. Data collected on the side effects and impact of regulated access could show that this legal framework provides safer access for users, thereby reducing consumption-related risks.
Additionally, insights from these model projects could lead to new informed policies that minimise the risks associated with cannabis consumption. However, the future of this and other initiatives outlined in "Pillar 2" heavily depends on the political climate and the upcoming elections – a context of uncertainty that does little to inspire investor confidence.
CONCLUSION
Cannabis legalisation in Germany is at a delicate juncture. While model projects represent a scientific approach, all the efforts made so far could be in vain if a new government decides to halt the process or even reverse the progress achieved to date.
This article was published on our blog https://www.dinafem.org/en/blog/green-light-for-pilot-research-projects-on-the-impact-of-cannabis-in-germany/ but you can read it in full at #Nostr
GREEN LIGHT FOR PILOT RESEARCH PROJECTS ON THE IMPACT OF CANNABIS IN GERMANY
* The year 2024 has marked a turning point on Germany's path toward cannabis legalisation, setting the stage for regulated models across Europe.
* The legalisation of cannabis for recreational use last April is part of a broader plan that includes evaluating the societal impact of recreational cannabis use.
* In this article, we delve into the current state of Germany's legal framework, the specifics of this model, and its potential impact on public health, the black market, and the economy.
WHERE DOES GERMANY STAND ON CANNABIS LEGALISATION?
While many believe that the legalisation of cannabis for adult use in Germany is a done deal, the truth is that the country is currently implementing "Pillar 1", which decriminalised the consumption and home cultivation of cannabis under certain conditions in April of this year.
However, "Pillar 2" (which would permit the sale of recreational cannabis in specialised stores, among other measures) has yet to be implemented. Many fear it may never see the light of day, as the political environment and early elections in February 2025 have increased uncertainty in the sector.
Therefore, although medical cannabis has been legal in Germany by prescription since 2017, the full legal framework for recreational use remains uncertain.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MODEL PROJECTS IN EVALUATING REGULATED RECREATIONAL USE
Germany's "cannabis model projects" are pilot studies aimed at analysing the effects of the use of recreational cannabis within a controlled legal framework. These studies will gather data on the potential social, economic, and public health effects of legal cannabis access.
The projects are designed to be conducted in collaboration with universities, municipalities, and industry players, and aim to ensure that legalisation progresses safely for users.
GOALS OF THE CANNABIS MODEL PROJECTS IN GERMANY
These studies, which are yet to be carried out, aim to ensure a smooth and socially beneficial transition:
*Evaluating the impact on the black market: A primary goal of legalisation is to redirect consumers toward safe, regulated sources.
*Impact on youth populations: The research will focus on how regulations can prevent minors from accessing recreational cannabis.
*Safe consumption: The focus is on promoting low-risk consumption methods and formats whilst ensuring product safety through different measures (such as contaminant analysis).
GREEN LIGHT TO APPLY FOR MODEL PROJECT LICENSES
Following Germany's removal of cannabis from the list of narcotics this year, a significant milestone was reached on 10th December. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) announced the official signing of an ordinance to make it the regulatory authority for model projects in the country.
This includes the issuance of permits, regulation of trade, and the monitoring of results. This is great news for the 27 municipalities and federal states which are eager to launch these pilot programmes. However, the BMEL clarified that this step does not signify a transition to the long-awaited "Pillar 2" of full cannabis regulation in Germany.
With anti-cannabis parties gaining traction in polls ahead of the February elections, there is growing concern that "Pillar 2" could be overturned by a new government. This has increased pressure to approve pilot programme licenses as quickly as possible. Any research project approved by the BLE cannot be halted by a future government. However, no new research projects can be initiated if the decree is repealed in the future.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE RESEARCH MODEL PROJECTS?
From now on, universities, private companies, and municipalities can all apply for licenses to participate in pilot programmes measuring the impact of adult cannabis use. Applicants must submit detailed plans explaining how they will collect and analyse data.
Cities such as Frankfurt and Hanover have already announced their participation, collaborating with universities and industry players. These entities will offer cannabis to pre-selected citizens through licensed establishments while collecting data on consumer behaviour and potential side effects of cannabis use.
The studies will run for five years, allowing the assessment of the long-term effects of recreational cannabis and the adjustment of certain parameters if necessary.
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Many may wonder why municipalities, and especially private sector companies, are so interested in conducting these pilot programmes. The reality is that these projects could lay the foundation for broader cannabis legalisation in Germany.
The results of these studies could prove that the legalisation of recreational cannabis works better for public health than prohibitionism. Data collected on the side effects and impact of regulated access could show that this legal framework provides safer access for users, thereby reducing consumption-related risks.
Additionally, insights from these model projects could lead to new informed policies that minimise the risks associated with cannabis consumption. However, the future of this and other initiatives outlined in "Pillar 2" heavily depends on the political climate and the upcoming elections – a context of uncertainty that does little to inspire investor confidence.
CONCLUSION
Cannabis legalisation in Germany is at a delicate juncture. While model projects represent a scientific approach, all the efforts made so far could be in vain if a new government decides to halt the process or even reverse the progress achieved to date.