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Germany set to legalise cannabis, but it’s complicated

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The German parliament is on the verge of voting on a groundbreaking law that would legalize the recreational use of cannabis. Should it pass, individuals aged 18 and above would gain the legal right to possess significant quantities of cannabis. However, the legislation is structured to impose strict regulations on its sale, aiming to make purchasing the drug challenging despite its legal status.

If the law is enacted, it would mark a significant shift in public policy regarding cannabis in Germany. As of April 1st, public consumption of cannabis would be decriminalized, with possession limits of up to 25 grams allowed in public spaces and 50 grams permitted in private residences. Despite the current legal prohibition on recreational cannabis use, certain regions, such as Berlin, have already adopted a lenient approach, often overlooking instances of public smoking.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach is a key proponent of the proposed reforms, citing concerns about the proliferation of black-market cannabis, the need to ensure safer consumption practices, and the desire to diminish revenue streams for organized crime syndicates. However, the legislation does not envision a widespread proliferation of cannabis cafes akin to those found in Amsterdam. Instead, it outlines the establishment of non-commercial “cannabis social clubs” responsible for cultivating and distributing limited quantities of the drug to their members.

While the legalization of cannabis possession would represent a significant step forward, the proposed law would still maintain certain restrictions. For instance, smoking cannabis near sensitive areas like schools and sports grounds would remain illegal. Additionally, the market would be tightly regulated to prevent easy access to the drug, with licensed sales through shops and pharmacies initially scrapped due to concerns raised by the European Union.

The potential legalization of recreational cannabis in Germany reflects a complex and nuanced approach to drug policy. While the legislation aims to strike a balance between liberalization and regulation, its ultimate impact remains uncertain. Critics warn of potential unintended consequences, including the perpetuation of black-market activity, while opposition conservatives threaten to overturn the law if they come into power. Germany’s journey toward cannabis legalization is fraught with challenges and uncertainties, suggesting that it is unlikely to replicate the model of Amsterdam in the near future.

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EU To Lift Ban Of Food Imports From Japan Post 2011 Nuclear Accident

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A government spokesperson in Japan has expressed the country’s welcome to the European Union (EU) potentially lifting restrictions on food imports that were imposed after the 2011 nuclear accident caused by an earthquake and tsunami. According to a report in the Nikkei newspaper, the EU is in the final stages of removing all restrictions on Japanese food, although the sources for this information were not disclosed.

The bans on food imports have been in effect since the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant was damaged by the earthquake and tsunami, resulting in multiple meltdowns. The spokesperson, Mr Hirokazu Matsuno, stated during a Tokyo press conference that the Japanese government appreciates the positive steps toward lifting the restrictions. It is hoped that easing the restrictions will contribute to the reconstruction efforts in the areas devastated by the nuclear disaster.

The 2011 earthquake and tsunami tragically claimed the lives of nearly 20,000 people along Japan’s Pacific coast. The meltdowns at the Fukushima nuclear plant led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.

This news about the potential lifting of restrictions comes just before the visit of Rafael Mariano Grossi, the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to Japan. During his visit, Grossi will present the findings of the IAEA’s safety review regarding Japan’s plan to release water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean. The Japanese government intends to release 1.3 million metric tons of water that has been exposed to radiation inside the damaged power plant after removing most of its radioactive elements.

The water to be released contains traces of tritium, an isotope that is difficult to remove from water and has primarily been used to cool the damaged reactors. The IAEA plans to establish an office at the Fukushima plant during Grossi’s visit, indicating its ongoing involvement and oversight of the situation.

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