Buy cannabis or grow it at home for your own pleasure, it is possible from 1um April in Germany: On Friday, February 23rd, after intensive debates, Parliament finally approved one of the most liberal legislative proposals in Europe. This flagship law for the government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) was approved with 407 yes votes and 226 no votes after there were numerous criticisms and a heated debate in the Bundestag.
The regulations provide for the authorization of the purchase of cannabis in limited quantities of a maximum of 25 grams per day through non-profit associations. There is also the option to grow up to three plants for your own use. However, possession and consumption of this drug remains strictly prohibited for young people under 18 years of age.
With this new law, Germany follows in the footsteps of Malta and Luxembourg, which legalized recreational cannabis in 2021 and 2023, respectively. “The situation we are currently in is in no way acceptable”declared – before the vote – Health Minister and doctor Karl Lauterbach (SPD), citing a “Troubling criminal black market.” He defended his text with all his might against the attacks from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU, conservatives) and the Alternative for Germany (AfD, far right). This law applies to MP Simone Borchardt (CDU). “A pole is stretched out to each dealer”.
“Legalize hemp!” »
The Greens, for their part, demanded “Legalize hemp”a long-standing demand from certain strands of the party, which even appeared in a German song of the same name that was popular in the 2000s and mixed the voice of an Eco Party figure, Hans-Christian Ströbele, with reggae rhythms.
This text was the subject of disagreement within the three-party government: there was resistance among the Social Democrats, while the Greens and the Liberals of the FDP, their government partners, were more positive. This reform has also attracted numerous criticisms, particularly from medical associations and the judiciary. The current law provides for a fine and, in the most serious cases, even a prison sentence for possession of cannabis.
“Cannabis clubs” and awareness campaign
Germans appear to be rather divided on the issue: According to a YouGov poll published on Friday, 47% of respondents are in favor of legalization and 42% are against it. According to the government, the reform should enable it to combat the black market more effectively, which is disputed by the conservative opposition, police unions and some SPD MPs.
Consumption near minors, schools, kindergartens and sports facilities remains prohibited. The cultivation and distribution of cannabis is only possible from January 1stum Called through associations in July “Cannabis clubs”. These clubs are allowed to sell a maximum of 25 grams per day and no more than 50 grams per month to their members, a maximum of 500 people. Only adults can become members. Between the ages of 18 and 21, they can only receive 30 grams of cannabis per month with an active ingredient content of THC limited to 10%.
These clubs are also responsible for distributing cannabis seeds and cuttings to their members for home cultivation, a maximum of seven seeds or five cuttings. Recognize that excessive use of cannabis may be possible “dangerous” The Minister of Health announced the implementation of an awareness campaign for young people whose brains develop by the age of 25.
Secondly, sales in specialized stores are to be legalized by a new law that will allow this procedure to be tested initially for five years in certain, as yet undesignated, regions.
