Germany has recently become the largest EU country to legalise recreational cannabis, allowing individuals over the age of 18 to possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis and cultivate up to three marijuana plants at home. This move makes Germany one of the most liberal countries in Europe in terms of cannabis laws, now on par with Malta and Luxembourg. However, despite the change in law, obtaining cannabis in Germany is not as simple as it may seem. Plans to sell cannabis through licensed shops were scrapped due to EU opposition, and instead, the government is considering implementing pilot schemes to sell the drug in specific shops. Starting from July 1st, people will be able to obtain cannabis through ‘cannabis clubs’, where each member can purchase up to 50 grams per month. Concerns have been raised about potential increases in cannabis use among young people, prompting the government to launch an information campaign to educate the public about the risks.
The law change in Germany has also raised concerns among police, who fear increased conflicts with citizens under the influence of cannabis and worry about enforcement difficulties. This suggests that Germany is unlikely to become a ‘weed tourism’ destination any time soon. While cannabis is legal in several European countries, it is mostly restricted to medical use or decriminalised for personal use. Malta stands out as having the most lenient laws regarding cannabis in the EU, allowing adults to carry up to 7g of cannabis and grow up to four plants for personal use. Despite restrictions on smoking in public, shops in Malta sell joints and edibles openly. The Netherlands, often perceived as relaxed on marijuana, actually prohibits its cultivation, sale, and possession, with only small amounts tolerated in ‘coffee shops’. Spain has decriminalised personal cannabis use, with cannabis social clubs being popular, especially in tourist areas like Barcelona.
The situation in Europe is varied, with most countries maintaining fines or punishments for cannabis use or possession, even in small quantities. However, countries like Belgium are considering following in Germany’s footsteps towards legalisation. Belgium has had a lenient stance on cannabis possession and cultivation since 2003, with the Deputy Prime Minister suggesting that the country should consider legalising cannabis. This trend towards more liberal cannabis laws in Europe could see other countries relaxing their restrictions in the future. However, the issue of ‘weed tourism’ remains a concern in countries like the Netherlands, which has taken measures to restrict cannabis tourism in recent years. Despite the availability of cannabis in some European countries, the strict regulations and enforcement measures in place make it unlikely for Europe to become a hotspot for cannabis tourism in the near future.
Overall, Germany’s decision to legalise recreational cannabis reflects a shift towards more progressive laws in Europe, despite initial opposition from politicians and medical associations. The implementation of the new cannabis laws in Germany has sparked discussions about the potential impact on public health, enforcement challenges, and the possibility of ‘weed tourism’ in the country. While other European countries like Malta and Spain have more lenient cannabis laws, the majority still maintain strict regulations on cannabis use and possession. The evolving landscape of cannabis legislation in Europe suggests that more countries may follow Germany’s lead in legalising cannabis in the future. However, the issue of cannabis tourism remains a complex challenge for European nations to navigate as they balance between liberalisation and regulation of cannabis laws.
