Germany legalizes cannabis for recreational use

Germany has overcome the last legislative hurdles to liberalize its cannabis laws, and the German government has approved the law to legalize the recreational use and cultivation of cannabis seeds in the country, becoming the second country in the European Union to regulate such use, after Malta. This new legislation will come into force on April 1, 2024. Below we tell you all about this law.

What changes does this law introduce?

The German government’s plan to liberalize cannabis regulations has successfully navigated its final parliamentary hurdle. The Bundestag, Germany’s federal parliament, has passed the Controlled Cannabis Use Act following intense debate and numerous amendments. Slated to take effect on April 1, 2024, this legislation paves the way for legal cannabis cultivation in Germany, either through home-growing or via cannabis clubs.

Key provisions of the act

This landmark legalization of recreational cannabis in Germany follows the country’s 2017 approval of medical marijuana. Under the new law, only individuals aged 18 and over are authorized to purchase and possess recreational cannabis. Furthermore, it permits limited cultivation of the plant for personal use. The law is also anticipated to bolster the German economy by generating new employment opportunities within the cannabis industry.

Cannabis consumption and cultivation

Highlights of the law regarding consumption and cultivation include:

• Individuals aged 18 and over are allowed to purchase up to a maximum of 25 grams per transaction, with a monthly total of up to 50 grams.
• Those under 21 years old are limited to 30 grams, acknowledging their increased vulnerability.
• Purchases must be made through marijuana clubs, of which one must be a member.
• The law aims to introduce a model for purchasing cannabis from specialty stores in certain regions, under scientific community oversight.
• Up to three plants may be cultivated for personal use.

Cannabis associations

The law restricts free sale, meaning cannabis cannot be found in just any store but only in licensed recreational clubs. Regulations for these clubs include:

• Each club is limited to a maximum of 500 members.
• Membership is restricted to adults with habitual residence in Germany.
• Club leadership is limited to those with proven reliability.
• Consumption within club premises and near schools, daycare centers, and pedestrian zones is prohibited.
• Membership in multiple clubs is not allowed.
• Cultivation must be collective and non-commercial.
• Club expenses are covered by membership fees, which vary according to the amount of marijuana consumed by members.

Timeline for the Implementation of Germany’s new cannabis law

Key dates for the law’s implementation are as follows:

• From April 1, 2024: Cannabis consumption, home cultivation, and cannabis club operations are decriminalized.
• From July 1, 2024:
  • German residents over 18 can join nonprofit cannabis clubs, with a limit of 500 members each.
  • Cannabis clubs will be authorized to cultivate cannabis for personal use among members.
  • Individuals can purchase in the specified amounts.
  • Cannabis advertising or sponsorship is banned.

Awareness Campaign

At the same time, the government is planning to start an awareness campaign about THC targeting both kids and teenagers, and it will be extended to the corresponding prevention programs. On the other hand, every club must make a health protection guide for youth, as well as designate a person responsible for prevention and addiction who should be trained. Likewise, these responsible people must attend regular refresher courses.

The aim of the law is to push back the black market since Germany has seen an increase in the use of these kinds of substances. Moreover, it also sets boundaries for the advertising of cannabis products, prohibiting both their advertisement in public places and promotion of online products.

Cannabis products must also meet certain quality standards, apart from being labeled with accurate information about the ingredients and effects.

History of Cannabis in Germany

Cannabis has been illegal in Germany since 1929, just when it was included in the list of banned substances. From that moment, there have been attempts to legalize cannabis for recreational use in Germany, but all have failed so far.

In 2017, the German political party Die Grünen proposed a law to legalize cannabis for recreational use, but it was rejected by the German parliament. However, the same parliament approved the bill to legalize cannabis for medicinal use that same year. Since then, cannabis for medicinal use has been legal in Germany.

In October 2022, the German government took a significant step towards the legalization of cannabis for recreational use by introducing a bill that has been recently approved in August 2023.

The legalization of recreational cannabis in Germany has been the subject of intense discussion in recent years. Supporters of legalization argue that this is a way to reduce crime related to drugs, and generate tax revenue for the government. On the other hand, opponents affirm that legalization may increase drug consumption and have a negative impact on public health.

Despite concerns, legalizing cannabis for recreational use in Germany is an important step towards the standardization of this substance in Europe. With the approval of the bill, Germany will join the list of countries in the world where marijuana is legal like Canada, Uruguay and some states of the United States.

Economic Impact of legalizing cannabis in Germany

The legalization of cannabis for recreational use in Germany will have a significant economic impact in the country. It is estimated that the legalization of marijuana will generate an income of 4.700 millions euros for the public purse, according to a Federal Statistical Office report.

The cannabis market in Germany is now a black market that moves billions of euros per year. The idea is that legalization will allow the government to collect taxes and reduce costs associated with prosecuting crimes related to drugs; apart from creating new employment in the cannabis industry: from growers to dispensaries and stores.

The future of cannabis in Germany seems to be heading towards a complete legalization of recreational consumption, which could have a significant impact on the economy and judicial system of the country. Nevertheless, it is important to establish strict regulations to guarantee the safety and public health.