According to eldiarioar’s report on April 10th, many cannabis consumers in downtown Berlin gathered to celebrate a new law that decriminalizes personal cannabis use and replaces it with civil penalties. The regulation came into effect on April 1st, allowing adults in Germany to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis and grow a maximum of three plants at home.
On the same day, Henry Plottke, a member of the German Cannabis Association (DHV), stated, “We can finally come out in the open with our identities, no longer needing to hide.”
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach stated that cannabis has “stepped out of the taboo zone.” He believes the resolution will significantly aid drug users, prevent youth drug abuse, and combat the black market.
This law makes Germany one of the most tolerant countries in Europe regarding cannabis, with Malta and Luxembourg legalizing recreational cannabis consumption in 2021 and 2023, respectively. Despite the regulation coming into effect on April 1st, consumers will still have to wait an additional three months to legally purchase cannabis in “cannabis social clubs.” According to the regulation, these clubs can have a maximum of 500 members and distribute up to 50 grams of cannabis per member per month.
Social Democratic Party Chancellor Olaf Scholz believes that legalizing cannabis will help in combating drug smuggling more effectively. He emphasizes that cannabis remains prohibited for those under 18 years old and stipulates that it is forbidden to use cannabis within 100 meters of schools, kindergartens, children’s parks, and squares.
