At home it can be 50 grams
Adults have been allowed to smoke weed since midnight
April 1, 2024, 1:50 a.m
In Germany it is now legal to possess, grow and consume cannabis privately. Some rules must be adhered to. The drug commissioner is now insisting on the next step, in which commercial trafficking will be tested in model projects.
Since midnight, the possession and consumption of cannabis has been legal for adults in Germany, subject to certain conditions. The corresponding cannabis law came into force on April 1st, which the traffic light coalition had pushed through despite great resistance from opposition parties, the federal states and associations from medicine, the judiciary and the police.
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach defended the move again. “Today we are ending a failed ban policy,” said the SPD politician. This is a historic opportunity. “From now on we are combining a real alternative to the black market with better child and youth protection. Things could not continue as before,” added the minister.
The government argues that cannabis consumption has increased despite the ban, that the black market is growing and that cannabis purchased there may be associated with increased health risks. The active ingredient content is unknown and it could contain toxic additives and impurities.
Up to 25 grams allowed on the go
Now, as a first step, the possession, private cultivation and consumption of certain amounts of cannabis will be permitted for adults. From July, in a second step, so-called cultivation associations will be allowed to grow cannabis under strict conditions under state control and distribute it to their members. At the same time, the law provides for measures to prevent addiction.
When it comes into force, cannabis will disappear from the list of prohibited substances in the Narcotics Act. People older than 18 are now allowed to carry up to 25 grams of the drug in public, and a maximum of 50 grams is allowed at home. You are also allowed to have up to three cannabis plants at home. Seeds, plants and harvested cannabis must be protected against theft and access by children – for example with lockable cupboards and rooms.
Smoking weed is allowed in public, but not near children and young people, schools, daycare centers, playgrounds and sports fields and not in pedestrian zones during the day. In traffic it remains the case that driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs is prohibited.
Anyone who gives cannabis to minors risks imprisonment
Violations can be punished with heavy fines. Passing on the drug – with the exception of clubs – remains a punishable offense, especially if passed on to minors there is a risk of imprisonment. Cannabis remains prohibited for young people under 18.
According to Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann, partial legalization will ease the burden on the authorities in the medium term. “The change means a one-time increase in workload, but in the long term the police and judiciary will be relieved,” said the FDP politician to the Germany editorial network. “You can then pursue even more relevant crime.”
There are currently more than 100,000 criminal proceedings against cannabis users. This is a sign that the previous cannabis policy has failed. “It placed a heavy burden on the police, public prosecutors and the judiciary, but in reality it hardly prevented consumption. Instead, consumers were driven into the hands of dealers with inferior products and hard drugs,” said the FDP politician. There were warnings from the police and judiciary that the new regulations would place additional burdens on people.
Drug commissioner: Need model tests for legal trade
The federal government’s drug and addiction commissioner, Burkhard Blienert, meanwhile called on the traffic light coalition to now also decide on model tests for commercial trade. “With the first step, we are only creating improvements for regular consumers. But now it is absolutely necessary to round things out and decide on the model projects as a second pillar,” said the SPD politician to the editorial network Germany. “This is the only way we can ensure that occasional users no longer have to go to the dealer,” said Blienert. It is important that there is a strict ban on advertising when selling in state-licensed shops and that child protection is observed.
The federal government had originally planned to sell cannabis through licensed shops. However, this plan was initially dropped due to concerns from the EU Commission. Regionally limited and scientifically supported model experiments have now been announced as the second pillar. However, the necessary legal changes have not yet been introduced.