Starting from April 1, Germans will have the right to legally obtain recreational cannabis. New legislation, legalizing personal use of recreational marijuana was approved by MPs yesterday. While the law permits adults to engage in limited personal use and cultivation of the substance, its commercialization will remain predominantly banned.
The coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a significant commitment to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, which has been extensively discussed in the national media in recent years.
During the final vote, the bill receiving backing from 407 lawmakers in the Bundestag , the lower house of the German parliament. Meanwhile, 226 MPs opposed the legislation, and four lawmakers chose to abstain. This legislation grants adult Germans the right to possess up to 50 grams (1.7 ounces) of marijuana within their private residences, while limiting possession in public spaces to a maximum of 25 grams (0.85 ounce). It further permits adults to cultivate up to three cannabis plants in their own homes.
Starting from July 1, the law also permits drug cultivation in non-profit cannabis clubs. These clubs are limited to a maximum of 500 members and can only grow plants for personal use. Operational expenses will be funded through membership fees, which will vary based on consumption levels. Each individual can receive up to 50 grams of the drug per month from the club, except for individuals under the age of 21 who have a limit of 30 grams.
The use of marijuana in public areas near schools, sports facilities, and children’s playgrounds will be strictly prohibited. Any minors found in possession of marijuana will be required to participate in a program aimed at preventing drug abuse.
According to German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, legalizing the drug provides a viable alternative to the black market, since all past legislative attempts to curb rising consumption proved ineffective.
The largest opposition group in Germany , known as the Conservative Union bloc, expressed strong disapproval of the latest legislation, labeling Lauterbach’s remarks as ridiculous and accusing the governing coalition of prioritizing the interests of dealers over consumers.
According to a mid-February public opinion survey, there was an almost even division among the Germans regarding the issue. Approximately 47% of participants expressed their opposition, either in a partial or complete manner, towards the legalization. On the other hand, 42% showed varying degrees of support for it.
New legislation seems to have the strongest backing from Greens supporters, with 61% of them expressing some or full support. Supporters of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party seem to be divided on the issue, while CDU voters were the most vocal opponents of the decision. The survey, conducted on February 19, included a total of 3,684 adult participants from various regions in Germany.