Germany to Legalize Marijuana for Medicinal Use in 2017

The health minister of Germany has said that medical marijuana will be legalized in 2017.

The measure was approved by the German cabinet for patients that have a serious medical condition and no alternative therapeutic alternative. The German Health Ministry released information in a press release regarding the measure.

A statement regarding the safety of marijuana was issued by Germany’s federal drug commissioner, Marlene Mortler. She stated, “The use of cannabis as a medicine within narrow limits is useful and should be explored in more detail. At the same time, cannabis is not a harmless substance, a legalization for private pleasure is not the aim and purpose of this. It is intended for medical use only.”

Germany is following in the footsteps of other countries by legalizing marijuana for medical purposes, according to CNN. Countries in Europe, South America and North America have relaxed marijuana regulations.

Hermann Grohe, the German federal health minister said, “Our goal is that seriously ill people are looked after to the best of our ability.”