Germany has legalized the personal use of cannabis
After a prolonged and heated debate in the Bundestag, German lawmakers have approved the nation's new cannabis legislation. Here are the key points you should know:
The German Bundestag has endorsed a law that partially legalizes cannabis, making Germany the third European country to do so, following Malta and Luxembourg. After a third round of debate, 407 parliamentarians voted in favor of the law, while 262 opposed it, and four abstained.
Effective April 1, 2024, individuals in Germany aged 18 and above will be permitted to cultivate up to three cannabis plants and possess up to 50 grams of cannabis at home. Additionally, adults can carry up to 25 grams of cannabis in public spaces.
Starting July 1, Germany will introduce Cannabis Social Clubs (CSC), where individuals must register as members. These clubs, central to the new law, will enable members aged 21 and above to purchase up to 50 grams of cannabis monthly. Members aged 18 to 21 can only buy cannabis with a maximum THC content of 10 percent and up to 30 grams per month.
The legislation awaits the signature of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to become law.
What remains prohibited after the cannabis law takes effect?
Despite the new law, various restrictions on cannabis consumption will persist. Smoking cannabis in public areas will only be allowed between 8 pm and 7 am. Smoking weed within 100 meters of school or sports facility entrances will be forbidden, and minors caught with cannabis will be required to participate in prevention programs.
German weed law passes despite sharp criticism:
The Ampel coalition's move to legalize cannabis has faced opposition from doctors, legal professionals, and representatives of Germany's federal states. The conservative CDU/CSU has consistently opposed the law, with CDU politician Tino Sorge dismissing Health Minister Karl Lauterbach's support as "the biggest load of rubbish."
Lauterbach countered, citing decreased cannabis consumption among young people following legalization in Canada. Kirsten Kappert-Gonther accused the CDU of ignoring the reality of cannabis consumption in Germany, emphasizing the risks associated with illegal cannabis.
Stephen Pilsinger (CDU) criticized the Ampel coalition for focusing on internal disputes rather than addressing more pressing issues, reflecting the broader division among the public regarding cannabis legislation. According to a YouGov poll, 47 percent of respondents supported the law, while 42 percent were partially or entirely against it, and 11 percent were indifferent.