As of April 1, 2024, Germany has legalised recreational use of marijuana. This new law made Germany the biggest country in the European Union (EU) to legalise cannabis. This law permits citizens above the age of 18 to carry 25 grams of dried cannabis and even cultivate limited marijuana plants at home. Read on to know more about this law and what it allows German citizens to do.
Germany Becomes The Largest EU Country To Legalise Cannabis
Germany has officially legalised the use of cannabis in the country. To celebrate this milestone, thousands of people gathered at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate. These celebratory scenes weren’t surprising since German citizens have been taking to the streets for many months to advocate for the legalisation of marijuana in the country.
After much debate and objections from opposition and medical associations, the controversial law was passed in the German parliament in February and was officially implemented in the country as of April 1, 2024. The second phase of the law will come into effect from July 1. Following that, the legal acquisition of weed through ‘cannabis clubs’ would be permitted in Germany. Reportedly, these clubs can have up to 500 members each and will allow the distribution of up to 50 grams of cannabis per person every month.
Cannabiskonsum gab es auch gestern schon, wurde immer mehr. Jetzt kommt er aus der Tabuzone heraus. Das ist besser für echte Suchthilfe, Prävention für Kinder- und Jugendliche und für die Bekämpfung des Schwarzmarktes, für den es bald eine Alternative gibt https://t.co/5vfHSwSjh9
— Prof. Karl Lauterbach (@Karl_Lauterbach) April 1, 2024
Germany’s Health minister Karl Lauterbach posted about the implementation of the law on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote in German, “Cannabis consumption was already there yesterday and was becoming more and more common. Now he comes out of the taboo zone. This is better for real addiction help, prevention for children and young people, and for combating the black market, for which there will soon be an alternative.”
Also Read: Opened In 1993, Germany’s ‘The Easter Egg Museum’ Houses More Than 1000 Beautiful Easter Eggs
What Does This New Law Allow In Germany?
This new law allows German citizens to cultivate up to three marijuana plants at home. It further allows them to carry around 25 grams of dried cannabis if they are adults above the age of 18. Public consumption is also permitted under this law. However, one cannot consume cannabis if they are within 100 metres of schools, kindergartens, sports facilities, and playgrounds. It also prohibits marijuana in pedestrian zones between 7 AM and 8 PM. Additionally, adults can store up to 50 grams of cannabis at home.
What do you think about the legalisation of cannabis in Germany? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)
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