Germany to Legalize Medicinal Cannabis by 2017 to Aid Seriously Ill Patients

Germany is set to legalize cannabis for medicinal use by early 2017, as announced by Health Minister Hermann Gröhe. This legislative move aims to provide the best possible treatment for seriously ill patients, with the hope that health insurance will cover the costs of these treatments

The proposed bill is scheduled to be presented to the German cabinet and reflects the growing acceptance of medicinal cannabis in treating various medical conditions such as cancer, HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis C, glaucoma, and Parkinson's disease. However, the initiative has sparked some debate within the government, with federal drug commissioner Marlene Mortler expressing caution about the safety of cannabis

The global landscape for cannabis legislation is shifting, with several countries and states adopting more lenient laws. The Netherlands has long been known for its progressive stance on cannabis, while Canada is planning to introduce new legislation in the spring. In the United States, states like Colorado and Washington have already legalized recreational use, and 24 states permit medicinal use in some form

Germany's move to legalize medicinal cannabis is part of a broader trend of increasing tolerance towards the plant in Europe and beyond. Uruguay was the first country to fully legalize cannabis, and other nations such as Chile and Ecuador have also relaxed their laws. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the potential benefits of cannabis for medical purposes