Germany has legalized cannabis possession, allowing adults to carry up to 25g of dried cannabis and cultivate up to three plants at home.
The move comes after a heated debate about the pros and cons of allowing easier access to the drug. The government claims decriminalisation will impact the hidden market and reduce the spread of contaminated cannabis, protecting young people. However, there has been criticism about the possible impact on young people, with some therapists predicting an increase in cannabis use “at least initially.”
The new legislation also has safeguards to protect young people, including a ban on smoking cannabis within 100 meters of a school, kindergarten, playground, or sports centre. The federal centre for health education is linked to the health ministry and is expanding its prevention offers.
The European Green party celebrated the move as a “Green win,” claiming it would reduce drug trafficking and relieve the pain and symptoms of some diseases. Observers from around the world will closely watch how the law works in practice in Germany.
The government has said previously that many users rely on the drug for medicinal reasons and that the new law will improve the quality of cannabis consumed by growing numbers of young people also it is hoped that this move will remove criminality of the previous underground selling of Cannabis.
The New Rules from 1st April and July are :
Individuals over the age of 18 are allowed to publicly possess up to 25 grammes of cannabis.
A maximum of three plants per home can be grown by adults.
However, between the hours of 7:00 and 10:00, residents will not be permitted to smoke cannabis in areas such as “pedestrian zones” or anywhere near schools or sports centres.
From 1 July
With a minimum of 450 people interested, growers can form “social clubs” or associations.
Germany residents must be 18 or older to join.
No one will be able to consume the substance on the premises, but the clubs can cultivate and sell it for non-profit purposes only.
