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Lawmakers in Germany accredited the legalization of hashish on Friday, bringing the nation nearer to turning into one of many few European nations — and by far the biggest — to completely legalize restricted quantities of the drug for leisure use. For.
“By legalizing it, we’re taking hashish out of the taboo zone,” Carl Lauterbach, who as well being minister is essentially accountable for the legislation, mentioned on public tv earlier than the vote, which noticed 407 votes in favor. And 226 votes had been solid in opposition.
The proposal have to be accredited by the Federal Council subsequent month.
A number of different European nations, maybe most notably the Netherlands, tolerate hashish use, however legalization is uncommon: within the EU, solely Malta and Luxembourg have gone this far.
If the legislation is handed by the Federal Council and signed by the President, it will likely be carried out in two phases. Ranging from April, all adults might be allowed to own as much as 25 grams, as much as 50 grams and develop as much as three grownup vegetation for private consumption. Then, in July, adults in Germany might be allowed to type social golf equipment that may develop hashish vegetation for his or her members.
Critics have objected to the brand new legislation on the grounds that it might generalize the drug and make it simpler for minors to acquire. To attempt to forestall this, the measure limits drug carrying and use to folks over the age of 18 and bans drug use in colleges or different locations the place younger folks collect.
States have warned that legalization would place extra burden on site visitors police, who’re anticipated to see an increase within the variety of folks driving beneath the affect of medication on German roads.