German lawmakers have approved a series of changes to the country’s marijuana legalization law, imposing restrictions related to impaired driving and giving states more authority to set limits on cannabis cultivation within their borders. After moving through a pair of committees, the Bundestag adopted the amendments on Thursday. This agreement between the federal government and legislators was made to avoid a months-long delay in the implementation of the legalization law.

Flexibility for State Regulations

One of the significant changes grants states greater flexibility to set restrictions on cultivation at cooperatives that will start dispensing cannabis to members in July. Regional governments can now impose limits on the size of the cooperative’s canopies. Kristine Lütke of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) highlighted that the new draft law accommodates the states’ concerns, expands evaluations, makes the control of cultivation associations more flexible, and promotes further training for addiction prevention specialists.

THC Limits for Impaired Driving

A separate measure sets a per se THC limit for impaired driving. Drivers will be considered impaired if they have more than 3.5 ng/ml of THC in their blood. This legislation also bans driving if a person has used both marijuana and alcohol, regardless of the amount. The measure has been controversial due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of such policies.

Future Steps and Government Initiatives

The government is moving forward with the second phase of marijuana legalization to create a pilot program for commercial sales. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach emphasized the urgency of advancing this process to combat the black market and strengthen the cannabis economy. There is increased pressure to expedite the commercial sales plan with legalization already in effect. Green MP Kirsten Kappert-Gonther stressed the need for prevention and education over prohibition and ignorance.

The Federal Council representing individual states previously attempted to block the legalization proposal but ultimately failed. The government aims to ensure that implementing the reform does not violate international obligations, following discussions with various countries, including the US, on international marijuana policy issues.