The German government today introduced legislation to legalize cannabis, allowing it private cultivation and its distribution through non-profit entitiesbut not extensive sales in stores.

The legislation also provides a pilot program for a small number of licensed outlets in a few regions to assess the effects a commercial recreational cannabis supply chain may have on public health, juvenile protection and the black market.

It will also legalize the acquisition and possession of up to 25 grams of recreational cannabis for personal consumption.

“The previous cannabis policy failed. Now we have to find new ways,” said Health Minister Karl Lauterbach.

Today’s announcement came after Berlin held talks with the European Commission over the key elements of the German government’s cannabis policy.

The ministries that participated in the drafting of the legislation – Health, Justice and Agriculture – did not give any timetable for the implementation of the plan.

Many European countries, including Germany, have already legalized cannabis for limited medical purposes. Others have decriminalized its general use, but not legalized it.