Germany has legalized marijuana possession for personal use.
The law permits the cultivation of up to three plants for personal use, as well as the possession of 50 grams of cannabis at home or 25 grams in public.
Adults are now permitted to possess up to 50 grams of cannabis at home and 25 grams in public according to the new law.
Germany is now one of a select few nations and regions that have legalized cannabis, at least partially, after the parliament approved a bill permitting private citizens and nonprofit organizations to cultivate and possess small amounts of the narcotic.
The chancellor’s three-party coalition approved a law that allows for the private cultivation of up to three plants, the home possession of up to 50 grams of cannabis at a time, and the use of up to 25 grams in public areas. It comes after a contentious discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of making the medicine more widely accessible.
The health minister, Karl Lauterbach, began a boisterous debate by saying, “We have two goals: to crack down on the black market and improved protection of children and young people.” The opposition accused Lauterbach of encouraging drug use.
“You are claiming in all seriousness that by legalizing more drugs we will contain drug use among young people,” stated Christian Democrat politician Tino Sorge. That is the silliest thing I have ever heard.
However, Lauterbach claimed that doing so was equivalent to “sticking our heads in the sand.” Not only had the use of cannabis increased dramatically among youth, whose developing brains were especially vulnerable, but today’s illicit narcotics were also more potent and more contaminated, which significantly increased their harmful effects.
It is estimated that 7 million Germans frequently consume cannabis. The administration has previously stated that a large proportion of users depend on the drug for medical purposes and that the new law will also enhance the quality of cannabis that an increasing number of young people use.
Physicians opposed to the legal change have cautioned that by making the drug more accessible and thereby raising the risk of addiction, it will jeopardize the health of youth.
The Social Democrats, Greens, and pro-business FDP alliance decided to proceed with the reform in November after it was incorporated into their power-sharing agreement.
Starting on April 1st, adults will be allowed to grow up to three plants and possess tiny amounts of cannabis. Three months later, it will also be available in clubs that are regulated and not-for-profit and have been set up specifically to grow and distribute cannabis.
Under-18s will not be allowed to consume cannabis.
Some of the 16 states that make up Germany have voiced opposition. Among them is the conservative Christian Social Union-ruled state of Bavaria in the south, which has encouraged the government to reconsider. Bavaria will be responsible for enforcing the law.
The Netherlands launches an experiment to fully legalize cannabis.
There have also been cautions from some of Lauterbach’s fellow Social Democrats, specifically on the usage of cannabis near kindergartens and schools. The minister has responded by stating that laws will forbid smoking marijuana within 100 meters of educational facilities.
Police officials have stated that it will be challenging to enforce the regulations. In response, Lauterbach said that it had also been challenging to police the underground market.
Following Malta and Luxembourg, Germany is becoming the third member state of the European Union to legalize cannabis for personal use.
Supporters of the drug’s medical use expressed optimism that the largest economy in Europe will act as a catalyst for other nations to consider doing the same.
The German legal system will be extensively observed by observers worldwide.
