Commencing next Monday, Germany is set to partially legalise cannabis as part of a major promise from Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government coalition.
Despite this, accessing the drug will not be without its challenges.
Let’s take a look at the new regulations:
Is this an April Fools’ joke?
As of April 1, carrying up to 25 grams of dried cannabis for personal use will be legal – an amount sufficient for approximately 80 joints, depending on consumption.
Additionally, individuals will be permitted to cultivate cannabis at home, with a maximum of three plants per adult and 50 grams of dried cannabis allowed.
However, smoking in proximity to schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, and public sports facilities within a radius of 100 meters will remain prohibited.
Furthermore, smoking will not be allowed in pedestrian zones between 7am and 8pm.
‘Cannabis clubs’
Starting July 1, Germany aims to establish regulated cannabis cultivation clubs to facilitate legal access to the drug.
These designated cannabis clubs can have a membership of up to 500 individuals and can provide a maximum of 50 grams of dried cannabis per month to each member.
Individuals below 21 years old will have a monthly limit of 30 grams of cannabis with no more than 10% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Consumption and gatherings involving cannabis at these clubs will not be allowed, and membership will be restricted to just one club at a time.
No access for tourists
The sole legal means of obtaining cannabis will be through either home cultivation or acquiring it via the cannabis clubs, both options limited to individuals who have been residents in Germany for at least six months.
These restrictions are aimed at addressing concerns from opposition parties, particularly the conservative CDU-CSU alliance, regarding potential “drug tourism”.
The coalition of Scholz’s Social Democrats, the Greens, and the pro-business FDP initially proposed further legalization to sell cannabis in retail outlets, a move that faced opposition from the EU.
A secondary bill is currently being developed to experiment with selling cannabis in shops or pharmacies in certain regions.
Critical reception
The government asserts that the new law will mitigate health risks associated with cannabis by combatting the issue of contaminated substances prevalent in the black market.
Nevertheless, medical associations and health organizations have widely criticized the law.
Regional authorities responsible for overseeing the law’s enforcement have also voiced concerns, fearing increased bureaucracy due to the need to reverse existing prison sentences and fines for offenses now decriminalized under the new legislation.
Friedrich Merz, the leader of the conservative opposition, has already cautioned that if his party regains power following the 2025 elections, they would promptly “repeal the law”.
AFP