Germany Legalises Recreational Cannabis
On the 23rd February 2024, following many hours of heated debate on the pros and cons of allowing easier access to cannabis. The Bundestag (Germany’s parliament) has voted so Germany legalises recreational cannabis for over 18’s. This makes Germany the third EU country to legalise cannabis for personal use.
From the 1st April 2024 recreational cannabis will be legal for Germans. People over 18 will be allowed to smoke in public areas, carry up to 25g (Just under an Ounce) on them, and to have as much a 50g (Almost 2 ounces) at home. The cultivation of up to three cannabis plants at home is now also legal.
What does German Law say now?
The Law, passed by the ruling three-party coalition, gives the following freedoms to German adults.
- Cultivating up to three cannabis plants at home for private consumption
- Possession of 25g of cannabis in public
- Possession of 50g of cannabis at home
- Consumption in many public spaces, although not everywhere. it is still prohibited around certain areas, like schools, playgrounds ,and health facilities.
Did everyone agree to this?
As you can imagine with a debate of this type, there was strong opposition from the more conservative political elements.
Mr Lauterbach, the German Minister for Health, has championed the change of the law regarding cannabis as part of the Governments Social reform programme. He said “We have two goals: to crack down on the black market and improved protection of children and young people.”
Simone Borchardt of the opposition conservative CDU told MPs that the government had gone ahead with its “completely unnecessary, confused law” regardless of warnings from doctors, police and psychotherapists.
But Mr Lauterbach, the German Minister for Health, said the current situation was no longer tenable: “The number of consumers aged between 18 and 25 has doubled in the past 10 years.”
After the vote he said the law would “dry out the black market” and fix “a failed drug policy”.
Overall, 47% of Germans are happy with the new law, with 42% thinking it is a bad idea.
How can Germans buy cannabis?
A paragraph or two about scrapped plans to sell in pharmacies, about the cannabis social clubs and how they work (limit to 500 members), and future plans to license sales of cannabis.
Initially, it was planned that Germans would be able to buy cannabis through a network of licensed outlets. But this plan was suspended after discussions with the EU.
Instead, there will be Cannabis Social Clubs. Non-Profit organisations which are allowed to grow and sell cannabis for their members. Although people will not be allowed to consume cannabis on site at these clubs. These social clubs will also be limited to a maximum of 500 members. Only German residents will be able to join these clubs, however.
The German government will watch closely over the next few years and see what impact the new law has. And if positive or favourable, then they plan to introduce licensed dispensaries in the future.
Will Germany become the next Amsterdam?
It is unlikely that Germany will become a world famous destination for Cannabis smokers like Amsterdam. Consumption of cannabis remains illegal for non-residents and tourists under the new rules. Sale of cannabis is regulated tightly.
Opponents to the new law claim that limiting sales to only Germans will have the opposite effect as planned. Tourists and other non residents will be forced to use black market suppliers.
It is however, a promising sign, as more and more of the worlds countries relax their laws regarding cannabis prohibition.
Conclusion
Many Germans are happy about the forthcoming change in the law. I expect eyes from other governments are watching closely to see what effect Germany’s legalisation of recreational cannabis has on things like crime.
Although it only really effects German residents, it can still provide strong evidence for those campaigning for cannabis legalisation and regulation elsewhere.