Representatives from five European countries, as well as the European Union Drug Agency (EUDA), met in Germany last week to discuss the regulation of cannabis for non-medical purposes.
European leaders from Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands and Czech Republic attended an international ministerial exchange in Germany to share their experiences of regulating cannabis.
The meeting, which was hosted by Germany’s Federal Government’s Addiction and Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert, was also attended by high-ranking representatives of the European Union Drug Agency (EUDA) and experts in the fields of science, society and drug policy.
This is the third year that European nations have held a ministerial exchange on regulation of cannabis to share experiences with a focus on protecting public health and reducing the harms of the illegal market. It follows consultations held in Luxembourg in 2022 and Malta in 2023.
Attendees discussed developments in the cannabis market, as well as sharing data from their jurisdictions on cannabis consumption rates and patterns, with the aim of supporting each other in taking a knowledge-based approach to regulation.
Commenting on the meeting, Blienert said: “We will only be able to overcome the health risks associated with the increasing global consumption of cannabis and the dangers of organized drug crime with modern drug policy approaches and only in cooperation with like-minded states.”
It comes amid a period of political uncertainty in Germany following the collapse of the ruling traffic light coalition earlier this month, which has cast uncertainty about the future of cannabis legislation.
Efforts have been made to roll back the laws introduced under Pillar one of the CanG Act in April this year. Meanwhile the future of Pillar two, which would allow for a strictly monitored commercial supply of cannabis, remains uncertain.
Entering new territory
Blienert remains “optimistic” that “increased education” and “decriminalization” can reduce the potential health risks and the illegal trade associated with cannabis use.
“Despite decades of prohibition and criminal prosecution, cannabis was and is one of the most commonly consumed psychoactive substances in Europe and worldwide. Its availability, use and – due to the ever-increasing THC content – its danger to health have steadily increased over the last decade. It was clear: something had to happen,” he said.
“I am sure that through evidence-based prevention, increased education and the decriminalization of home cultivation implemented with the Consumer Cannabis Act in Germany, we will succeed in reducing the health risks associated with the consumption of cannabis for non-medical purposes to a considerable extent. We will also significantly reduce the illegal trade.”
The relevant governments have committed to continuing the exchange in future years, with a view to sharing information on new prevention, counseling and treatment approaches. It was also agreed that representatives would keep each other informed about future political developments related to cannabis.
Blienert added: “As optimistic as I am, I would like to stress one thing: we are entering new territory. And that is why it is important to evaluate all steps comprehensively and to establish a close exchange of experiences with all other European countries that have taken or will take similar steps.”
Representatives from five European countries, as well as the European Union Drug Agency (EUDA), met in Germany last week to discuss the regulation of cannabis for non-medical purposes. European leaders Read More
