Germany recently legalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana, allowing adults to possess up to nearly one ounce of marijuana and grow up to three plants for personal use. The law took effect immediately, and marijuana campaigners in Germany celebrated by lighting joints at public events throughout the country. The new legislation was pushed through by the current coalition government against opposition from some federal states and the center-right Christian Democrats. The conservative opposition has vowed to reverse the law if they win the next election.
In addition to legalizing possession for recreational purposes, the new law in Germany will allow residents aged 18 and older to join nonprofit cannabis clubs, with a maximum of 500 members each. Individuals will be allowed to buy up to 25 grams per day or a maximum of 50 grams per month, with a limit of 30 grams for those under 21. Membership in multiple clubs will not be allowed, and costs will be covered by membership fees, staggered according to the amount of marijuana used. The legislation also includes an amnesty for cannabis-related offenses that are no longer illegal, with sentences being reviewed and reversed in many cases.
Germany’s new law has been met with some opposition, with concerns from regional authorities about the potential overburdening of the judicial system due to thousands of cases related to cannabis offenses. Some garden stores have indicated that they will not be adding cannabis plants to their offerings following the legalization, and the German Medical Association has opposed the law, citing potential negative consequences for young people in the country. The conservative Christian Democratic party has vowed to reverse the legislation if they win national elections expected in the fall of 2025.
The German Cannabis Association, which campaigned for the new law, staged a “smoke-in” at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate when the law took effect at midnight. Other public consumption events were held in cities such as Cologne, Hamburg, Regensburg, and Dortmund. The legislation marks a significant change in Germany’s approach to marijuana, allowing for legal possession and limited cultivation for personal use. The law was pushed through by the current coalition government, consisting of the Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats, despite opposition from some states and the Christian Democrats.
The legalization of small amounts of marijuana in Germany reflects a growing trend towards more relaxed attitudes and laws regarding cannabis around the world. While the new law has been met with criticism and opposition from some groups, supporters view it as a step towards more progressive drug policies and personal freedoms. The impact of the legislation on public health, law enforcement, and society as a whole remains to be seen, as Germany joins a growing number of countries that have moved towards decriminalizing or legalizing cannabis for personal use.
