Germany green lights partial cannabis legalization

Germany’s upper house of parliament, the Bundesrat, on Friday approved the decriminalization of recreational use of cannabis.

From Apr. 1, adults in Germany will be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of the drug in public and to grow up to three plants at home for personal consumption. They will also be permitted to keep up to 50 grams at home. The law, which was proposed by the three-way coalition government, had previously been approved by the lower house, the Bundestag.

Children will not be allowed to possess or consume cannabis, while consumption of the drug will be banned near schools and kindergartens and in pedestrian areas before 8pm. The sale and purchase of cannabis will continue to be prohibited, but consumers who do not wish to grow plants at home will be able to join a non-profit association of up to 500 members. Minors may not be members of such associations and those of legal age may only be members of an association and must be actively involved in cultivation. The law was promoted by health minister Karl Lauterbach, who welcomed the Bundesrat’s approval.

On X, he said he hoped legalization would be “the beginning of the end of the black market”, which had been one of his main arguments in favor of the reform. Lauterbach believes that legalization can protect future generations from criminality and from the black market. He also hopes increased education will help curb consumption and abuse. EFE rz/ks