Germany’s Cabinet Advances Cannabis Legalization
The legalization of cannabis is a topic of discussion in many countries, including Germany and the United States. The federal government of Germany wants to legalize cannabis. It is significant that the federal government of Germany is moving forward with legalization, and the federal government of the United States doing the same would benefit immigrants in the United States.
Germany
The German Ministry of Health proposed a bill that seeks to legalize private cultivation by adults for personal consumption, as well as communal, non-commercial cultivation.
The bill also proposes the establishment of a regulatory framework for the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes.
Possession of cannabis, hashish, or marijuana remains illegal in Germany, for now, and is a violation of the country's Narcotics Law.
United States
Marijuana is considered a Schedule 1 drug under federal law, which also governs immigration eligibility, including visas, permanent residence, and citizenship.
Marijuana convictions, regardless of their age or severity, can disqualify a person from immigration status or be the basis of their deportation.
Even if a person is using marijuana legally because they have a medical marijuana card or marijuana use is legal in their state, they can still be denied a visa or entry into the United States.
The designation of cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug has resulted in harsh immigration laws that punish marijuana convictions with deportation, ineligibility for immigration status, and immigration detention.
Significance of Germany's Cannabis Legalization
The federal government of Germany seeking to legalize cannabis is significant for several reasons:
It shows that the government is willing to listen to the people and take steps towards legalizing cannabis.
It will reduce the number of people who are arrested and prosecuted for possession of the drug.
It will generate significant revenue for the country and create jobs in the cannabis industry.
It will provide a legal basis for the use of cannabis in Germany and ensure that the plant is used safely and responsibly.
Benefits of Federal Legalization of Cannabis in the United States for Immigrants
If the federal government of the United States legalizes cannabis, it would benefit immigrants who use cannabis in several ways:
It would reduce the risk of deportation or ineligibility for immigration status due to marijuana convictions.
It would allow immigrants who use cannabis legally in their state to be able to enter the United States without fear of being denied a visa or entry.
Current Stage of Federal Legalization of Marijuana in the U.S.
On October 6, 2022, President Biden issued a statement on marijuana policy reform, which included the following key points:
No one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana, and sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit.
Criminal records for marijuana possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
President Biden is asking the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to initiate the administrative process to review expeditiously how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.
Federal law currently classifies marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the classification meant for the most dangerous “controlled” substances.
President Biden's directive to review scheduling doesn't change the current federal restriction on marijuana.
On December 2, 2022, President Biden signed into law the "Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act," which clears the way for medical cannabis research.
Senator John Hickenlooper reintroduced the PREPARE Act, which would develop a framework for federal legalization based on Colorado's Task Force.
Conclusion
It is essential for immigrants to be aware of the potential consequences of cannabis use and to seek legal advice if they have any questions or concerns. The federal government of Germany seeking to legalize cannabis is significant for the country and its people. If the federal government of the United States legalizes cannabis, it would benefit immigrants who use cannabis by reducing the risk of deportation or ineligibility for immigration status due to marijuana convictions, allowing immigrants who use cannabis legally in their state to enter the United States without fear of being denied a visa or entry.
