Marijuana can be legally consumed in Germany from April 1. A law launched by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) passed the final hurdle in the Federal State Chamber on Friday. This means that from April 1, possession and cultivation of the drug will be allowed for adults with numerous requirements for personal use.
To avoid failures, the German federal government recently promised to subsequently change some regulations. The turning point in drug policy could come into effect in a few days on Easter Monday. The law must first be officially announced once Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has signed it.
50 grams and three live plants legal
In general, it should be legal for adults aged 18 and over to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use. Three live cannabis plants must be allowed in your own apartment and a maximum of 50 grams of cannabis for personal use. Smoking weed in public spaces should be prohibited, including in schools, sports facilities and within sight of them – and especially within 100 meters of the entrance as the crow flies.
The law also allows non-commercial ‘cultivation associations’ for adults, where up to 500 members living in Germany grow cannabis together and sell it to each other for their own consumption – with a maximum of 50 grams per member per month. An initial assessment of the impact this law has on the protection of children and young people should be presented no later than 18 months after the law comes into force.
Lauterbach: “Fight the black market”
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach emphasized before the vote: “With this law we are not introducing cannabis into Germany. “Consumption in Germany has risen sharply in recent years,” Lauterbach said in his speech to the state chamber, reports “Bild”.
Now we must ‘rethink’ and fight the black market. The minister also said: “I have been an opponent of the legalization of cannabis for years. I’ve changed my mind.”
Not everyone is happy with the new regulations. Bavarian Health Minister Judith Gerlach (CSU) called the law an aberration. It also imposes enormous additional administrative and enforcement costs on states.
Criticism and marijuana amnesty
There was also criticism of the planned remission of sentences for ongoing proceedings against marijuana users. Several countries have identified a possible overload of the judiciary due to the review of cases. Therefore, some subsequent legislative changes must now be implemented before July 1.
Source: Krone
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