Germany legalized weed

Cannabis in Germany: Legalization with limits

Germany legalized weed Cannabis in Germany has been legal for recreational usage by adults (aged 18 and over) in a limited capacity since 1 April 2024, making it the ninth country in the world to legalise the drug. As of February 2024, it has been assessed that 4.5 million Germans use cannabis. * The German parliament has voted to approve cannabis for private use, within limits. The opposition and some experts are against it. What is now allowed, what remains prohibited? * For supporters, the Bundestag decision finally marks the end of criminalization, while opponents see an increased risk of young people turning to harder drugs even more than before: With the combined votes of the governing center-left coalition of Social Democrats (SPD), Greens, and business-focused Free Democrats (FDP), the Bundestag in March approved the partial liberalization of cannabis use in Germany. Members of the Left Party also voted in favor. * In concrete terms, this means that since April 1, 2024, people over 18 in Germany are allowed to own and carry 25 grams of cannabis for consumption. What’s more, hashish enthusiasts can now grow three cannabis plants in their own homes and store up to 50 grams of dried cannabis. * Consumers, as well as many politicians and health experts, have long been calling for the use of cannabis to be permitted in small quantities, partly to stop the police from spending time and resources on small dealers. In the 2021 coalition agreement, the three governing parties agreed on this in principle and wrote in their coalition agreement: “We are introducing the controlled supply of cannabis to adults for recreational purposes in licensed stores.” * But there is no longer any mention of such licensed stores in the law proposed by Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) — at least not yet. * Initially, the government wants to allow and regulate private consumption, partly in order to relieve the burden on the police and judiciary. From July 1, private clubs with up to 500 members will also be allowed to grow cannabis plants collectively and distribute it to their members. * Commercial stores, such as those in many US states, will not be allowed for the time being, even though this was initially considered by the government. Cannabis consumption is also to be banned near schools, kindergartens, public playgrounds, and sports facilities, and on pedestrian zones in city centers between 7 am and 8 pm.