Germany is set to take a significant step in drug policy as it partially legalizes cannabis starting from April 1, fulfilling a key promise of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government. However, navigating access to the drug will not be without its challenges.
Here’s a breakdown of the new regulations:
- Personal Use: As of April 1, individuals will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams of dried cannabis for personal use, equivalent to approximately 80 joints. Additionally, home cultivation will be permitted, with each adult allowed to grow up to three plants and possess up to 50 grams of dried cannabis.
- Restricted Areas: Despite the legalization, there are restrictions in place. Smoking cannabis will be prohibited within a 100-meter radius of schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, and public sports facilities. Smoking will also be banned in pedestrian zones between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm.
- Cannabis Clubs: Starting from July 1, Germany plans to establish regulated cannabis cultivation associations, known as “cannabis clubs.” These clubs will have a membership cap of 500 individuals and will be permitted to sell a maximum of 50 grams of dried cannabis per month to each member. However, consumption and meetings at these clubs will not be allowed.
- Residency Requirement: The only legal methods of obtaining cannabis will be through home cultivation or cannabis clubs. However, both options are limited to individuals who have been residents of Germany for at least six months, aiming to prevent “drug tourism” from neighboring countries.
While the government asserts that the new law will mitigate health risks associated with cannabis by addressing contamination issues in the black market, it has faced criticism from medical associations and health groups. Moreover, regional authorities have expressed concerns about the additional bureaucratic burden of reversing sentences and fines imposed for offenses that are no longer punishable under the new law.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition conservatives, has already indicated that if his party regains power after the 2025 elections, they would move to repeal the law.
