Medical Marijuana News Update: Germany to Legalize Medical Marijuana by 2017

Germany will soon legalize medical marijuana by 2017. The health minister confirmed the announcement through a press conference on Tuesday, May 3.

Germany's gesture to have medical marijuana legalized it through the influence of its neighboring countries. Several counties including the United States, Amsterdam and Canada have already legalized medical marijuana. Their aim to have medical marijuana accessible is due to its medical benefits that some pharmaceutical drugs could not provide.

According to Telegraph, the draft of medical marijuana was presented by Hermann Groehe to the German cabinet on Wednesday. Their goal is to provide maximum health care by the spring of 2017.

"Our goal is that seriously ill patients are treated in the best possible way," Groehe told the German Daily. "Without wishing to pre-judge the work of the Bundestag (lower house of parliament), it is likely that the law will come into force in the spring of 2017."

As for Germany's federal drug commissioner, Marlene Mortler, marijuana should not be referred to as completely safe. She suggested that further studies should be done before having it legalized.

"The use of cannabis as a medicine within narrow limits is useful and should be explored in more detail," Mortler told CNN. "At the same time, cannabis is not a harmless substance; legalization for private pleasure is not the aim and purpose of this. It is intended for medical use only."

Marijuana legalization continually moves forward in providing quality health care with lesser risk. Medical marijuana is said to treat epilepsy, cancer and major health complications. With its benefits, more countries are already taking into consideration in having it accessible.

According to National Marijuana Conference of State Legislatures, 24 American states and Guam have already considered medical marijuana access. Uruguay, on the other hand, was the first country to have marijuana accessed for recreational use.