On Monday, Germany legalized recreational cannabis use, marking it the largest EU nation to do so, amidst strong opposition from some politicians and medical groups.
The recently passed legislation in Germany, a topic of considerable debate, now permits adults aged 18 and over to possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis and to grow up to three marijuana plants at their residences.
These amendments position Germany among the most lenient European nations regarding cannabis laws, aligning it with Malta and Luxembourg, which legalized recreational cannabis in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
Contrastingly, the Netherlands, historically recognized for its relaxed stance on cannabis, has recently adopted more stringent policies to curb cannabis-related tourism.
When the new cannabis law became effective at midnight, crowds gathered near Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate to celebrate, with many lighting up joints. Among them, a delighted 25-year-old Niyazi described the moment as gaining “a bit of extra freedom.”
As a further step in the legal reforms, starting July 1, it will be possible to legally acquire cannabis through “cannabis clubs” in Germany.
These clubs, subject to regulation, will be permitted to have up to 500 members each and can distribute a maximum of 50 grams of cannabis per person each month.
Until the clubs are operational, Georg Wurth, director of the German Cannabis Association, advised that consumers should not disclose to police the source of their cannabis during any street checks, as reported by AFP.
The initial proposal for selling cannabis through licensed stores was abandoned due to resistance from the EU. However, a second legislation is being prepared to test the sale of cannabis in select pilot regions.
Led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats, the German coalition government believes that legalizing cannabis will help control the expanding illegal market for the drug.
However, health organizations have expressed concerns about potential increased usage among youths, who are at greatest risk. Experts warn that cannabis use can impair the development of the central nervous system in young people, heightening the risk of psychosis and schizophrenia.
Katja Seidel, a therapist at a Berlin-based center for young people with cannabis addiction, criticized the current law in an AFP interview, calling it “a disaster.”
Even Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, a medical professional, acknowledges the dangers of cannabis use, particularly for young individuals.
The government has committed to launching an extensive awareness campaign to highlight the risks and enhance support services.
Moreover, the government emphasizes that cannabis will continue to be prohibited for individuals under 18 and within 100 meters of schools, kindergartens, and playgrounds.
