Germany is set to launch a series of expert hearings at the Federal Ministry of Health this week as the country gears towards legalizing cannabis production and sale.
The country could become only the second Group of 20 nation to legalize the cultivation and sale of recreational cannabis, after Canada regulated the drug starting in 2018.
Germany could see a financial opportunity in the billions of dollars with legislation, but according to experts, the size of the addressable market would be dependent on the law and regulations. These have yet to be developed.
The ministry announced that the first of five hearings is set to take place this week.
The five hearings will cover:
Health and consumer protection.
Protection of minors and prevention.
Supply chains, ecological and economic issues.
Criminal liability, control measures and licensing.
International experiences.
“We are starting the preparatory phase of legislation,” Burkhard Blienert, Germany’s drug and addiction commissioner, said in a news release.
“The hearings are intended to discuss which measures can be used to ensure the best protection for young people, health and consumers in the event of implementation.
“Because one thing is clear: we want to protect children and young people in particular from possible risks.”