Germany to Partially Legalize Cannabis Starting April 1
Germany is set to partially legalize cannabis from April 1, fulfilling a key promise of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government. However, accessing the drug will come with regulations and restrictions.
Here's what the new rules entail:
- **Personal Use:** Individuals will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams of dried cannabis, equivalent to approximately 80 joints, for personal consumption.
- **Home Cultivation:** Adults can cultivate up to three cannabis plants at home and possess up to 50 grams of dried cannabis.
- **Restrictions:** Smoking cannabis will be prohibited within a 100-meter radius of schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, and public sports facilities. Additionally, smoking will not be allowed in pedestrian zones between 7am and 8pm.
- **Cannabis Clubs:** Starting July 1, regulated cannabis cultivation associations, known as cannabis clubs, will be established. Each club can have up to 500 members and can sell a maximum of 50 grams of dried cannabis per month to each member.
- **Age Limit:** Adults under 21 will be limited to 30 grams of cannabis per month, containing no more than 10 percent of THC.
- **Residency Requirement:** Only residents of Germany for at least six months will be eligible to cultivate cannabis at home or obtain it through cannabis clubs. This restriction aims to prevent "drug tourism."
- **Government Plans:** The government originally aimed to allow cannabis sales in shops, but this was rejected by the EU. A second law is being drafted to trial cannabis sales in certain regions.
While the government asserts that the new law will mitigate health risks associated with cannabis by addressing issues of contamination in the black market, it has faced criticism from medical associations and health groups. Regional authorities also express concerns about additional bureaucracy and the need to reverse sentences and fines for offenses no longer punishable under the new law.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition conservatives, has indicated plans to repeal the law if his party returns to power after the 2025 elections.
