According to the Ministry of Health, there should be no model regions for controlled cannabis dispensing in North Rhine-Westphalia. "In principle, the Ministry of Health opposes the approval of model projects, especially with regard to the dangers of cannabis-related brain damage in young adults up to 25 years of age," said a spokeswoman for the ministry of the "Rheinische Post". "In addition, the federal government has not yet presented any solution as to how the planned model regions should be compatible with applicable international and European law."
With regard to possible criteria for determining model regions, no statement could yet be made, the spokeswoman for the German Press Agency continued. A draft law announced for autumn 2023 will have to be awaited. The draft law on dealing with cannabis, which is currently at the federal level, does not yet provide for authorization for the approval of regional model projects.
German government wants to partially legalize cannabis before the end of this year
At the same time, after Cologne and Münster, other cities in North Rhine-Westphalia are signalling their interest in becoming model regions. "The Federal City of Bonn is fundamentally positive about this," said the spokesman for Bonn. Düsseldorf also does not rule out participation: "For a well-founded decision as to whether the state capital Düsseldorf participates in regional model projects, a clear legal situation is required," said the spokeswoman for Düsseldorf. The federal policy framework is still very vague.
The federal government wants to partially legalize cannabis before the end of this year. According to the will of the traffic light coalition, the possession of 25 grams of cannabis for personal use should remain unpunished in the future. The plans envisage a state-controlled levy via associations as well as private self-cultivation with up to three plants. In a second step, sales via licensed specialist shops will be tested in model regions.