Germany

German candy company Haribo has ordered a product recall for a batch of gummy candies after health officials tested the products and found that they contained cannabis.

Canada-based Aurora Cannabis has announced the launch of IndiMed, its first line of medical cannabis products grown and manufactured in Germany, which is the latest EU member state to adopt cannabis legalization policies.

Nearly 60% of German citizens support the broad legalization of adult-use cannabis, according to a recent poll. Cannabis is currently legal for adults to possess and consume but the country stopped short of establishing a regulated marketplace.

A recent survey by Germany-based medical cannabis company Bloomwell GmBh found that 94% of respondents who consumed cannabis said they did so for at least one medical or health reason.

Tilray Brands, Inc. said its Germany-based cannabis cultivation facility, Aphria RX GmbH, has received a cultivation license under Germany’s new adult-use cannabis legalization law.

Just weeks after the federal legalization of adult-use cannabis in Germany, officials in the southern state of Bavaria have passed rules banning the consumption of cannabis at Oktoberfest and in outdoor beer gardens.

Adults in Germany will be allowed to possess and cultivate cannabis starting April 1 after lawmakers gave their final approval to the country’s cannabis legalization proposal last week.

After much anticipation, Germany became the third EU country to legalize adult-use cannabis following a decisive vote in the Bundestag, marking a significant shift in drug policy and setting a precedent that may influence other EU nations.

Germany’s government coalition says it has arrived at its final cannabis legalization policy which, once enacted, is expected to take effect on April 1 later this year.

The Cabinet of Germany on Wednesday passed a bill to legalize the adult use and cultivation of cannabis; the measure still requires approval from parliament.

The draft bill for Germany’s upcoming adult-use cannabis legalization bill was revealed last week by the Ministry of Health.

While Germany’s efforts to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis suffered a minor blow following last week’s revelations, the country remains on track to launch a five-year adult-use cannabis pilot program and, in the meantime, intends to decriminalize cannabis possession and home growing.

Germany announced the watering down of its cannabis legalization efforts after talks with EU officials but the plan is to still legalize possession, allow limited home grows, and establish members-only “cannabis clubs.”

Alex Rogers is an American medical cannabis business owner and founder of the International Cannabis Business Conference.

With cannabis reforms gaining traction around the world, most predict Germany to be the next major legalization victory — the question is will that happen in 2023, or beyond?

Coming off the heels of a very big year for cannabis, what does 2023 have in store for the emerging international industry?

Germany this week announced its plans for adult-use cannabis legalization including possession limitations and home grow provisions.

The German government has outlined its plan to legalize adult-use cannabis nationally including provisions allowing for possession of up to 20 grams and homegrow of up to two plants.

Lawmakers from Germany recently toured California cannabis businesses and spoke with advocates, regulators, and industry experts about lessons learned when creating a legal industry.

Niklas “Nik” Kouparanis is CEO, Co-Founder, and Board Member at The Bloomwell Group, a cannabis brand ecosphere based in Germany.