New Delhi: The German parliament has approved legislation permitting the recreational use of cannabis, marking a significant shift in policy. The new law allows individuals over the age of 18 to possess considerable amounts of cannabis, although purchasing the drug will be subject to stringent regulations.
Starting April 1, smoking cannabis in many public areas will be legal. Individuals will be permitted to possess up to 25 grams in public spaces, equivalent to numerous potent joints, while the legal limit in private residences will be 50 grams.
While some parts of Germany, like Berlin, have tolerated public use to some extent, recreational possession remains illegal and punishable. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, the driving force behind the reforms, aims to combat the black market, ensure the safety of consumers, and disrupt organized crime networks.
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Despite the legalization, the proliferation of cannabis cafes across the country is unlikely. The debate over decriminalization has been fiercely contested for years, with concerns from medical professionals about its impact on young people and opposition from conservative factions fearing an increase in drug use.
Simone Borchardt of the conservative CDU criticised the government’s “unnecessary and muddled” law, disregarding warnings from various professionals. Nonetheless, Lauterbach argues that the current situation, marked by a doubling of cannabis consumers aged 18 to 25 over the past decade, is unsustainable.
The legislation is intricate, prohibiting cannabis use near specific locations such as schools and sports facilities. To prevent easy access to the drug, the market will be tightly regulated, abandoning earlier plans for licensed shops and pharmacies due to EU concerns about potential drug exports.
Instead, non-commercial “cannabis social clubs” will cultivate and distribute limited quantities, with membership restricted to German residents. Additionally, individuals will be allowed to cultivate up to three marijuana plants per household.
While the possession of large quantities of cannabis will be permitted, legal acquisition will remain challenging, potentially fuelling the black market. The government plans to evaluate the law’s impact over the coming years, with the eventual goal of introducing licensed cannabis sales. However, given the contentious nature of the debate, the future remains uncertain.
Opposition conservatives have vowed to repeal the law if they come into power next year, suggesting that Germany is unlikely to emulate Amsterdam’s cannabis-friendly reputation anytime soon.
