Substance Policy Modernization Act of 2008
Proposed by Common Ground
Passing
in all 2 chambers
Opened
1 Aug 2008
Voting closes
30 Sep 2008
Chambers
2 legislatures
Articles
2 changes
Rationale
Current policies on marijuana and alcohol are outdated, creating unnecessary barriers to public access and revenue. Legalization and liberalization will improve fairness, generate tax income, and reduce enforcement costs.
Proposed Changes
| Law | Previous | Proposed | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marijuana Policy |
Medical-only (prescription/caregiver card; licensed dispensaries)
|
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
|
|
| 2 | Alcohol Regulation |
Strict regulation (age 21; high excise; retail 10:00–20:00; public drinking banned)
|
Liberal policy (age 18; moderate tax; late opening permitted; public zones allowed)
|
1
Marijuana PolicyPrevious law
Medical-only (prescription/caregiver card; licensed dispensaries)
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
2
Alcohol RegulationPrevious law
Strict regulation (age 21; high excise; retail 10:00–20:00; public drinking banned)
Liberal policy (age 18; moderate tax; late opening permitted; public zones allowed)
Timeline
-
Draft1 August 2008
-
Vote Open1 August 2008
-
Vote Closed30 September 2008
-
Did Not Become Law30 September 2008
Vote tally
Live tally across each chamber. Weighted by seats held.
Bundesrat
Passed
45Yes
18No
6Not voted
69 seats
For: 45 / 69 seats (65.2%)
Against: 18 · Abstained: 0 · Not voted: 6
50.1% of those voting must vote in favour (actual = 71.4%)
| Party | Seats | Vote | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Ground Proposer | 14 | Yes | No reason given |
| Heartland Alliance | 18 | No | No reason given |
| Liberal Meritocratic Alliance | 16 | Yes | No reason given |
| National Legionary Front | 0 | No | No reason given |
| Social Democratic Union | 15 | Yes | No reason given |
Bundestag
Passed
415Yes
174No
61Not voted
650 seats
For: 415 / 650 seats (63.8%)
Against: 174 · Abstained: 0 · Not voted: 61
50.1% of those voting must vote in favour (actual = 70.5%)
| Party | Seats | Vote | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Ground Proposer | 127 | Yes | No reason given |
| Heartland Alliance | 174 | No | No reason given |
| Liberal Meritocratic Alliance | 146 | Yes | No reason given |
| National Legionary Front | 0 | No | No reason given |
| Social Democratic Union | 142 | Yes | No reason given |