Germany is poised to take a significant step in cannabis legalization as Chancellor Olaf Scholzās coalition government prepares to implement its flagship pledge.
Starting April 1, individuals will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams of dried cannabis for personal use, alongside provisions for home cultivation with a limit of three plants per adult and 50 grams of dried cannabis.
Despite these changes, accessing cannabis won’t be straightforward due to restrictions. Smoking will be prohibited within 100 meters of schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, and public sports facilities. Additionally, smoking will be banned in pedestrian zones between 7 am and 8 pm.
Looking ahead, Germany plans to establish regulated cannabis cultivation associations, known as “cannabis clubs,” by July 1. These clubs will have membership limits and sales quotas, aiming to offer legal avenues for obtaining the drug.
However, access will be restricted to residents who have lived in Germany for at least six months, shutting out tourists.
While the government hopes to address health risks associated with cannabis through legalization, the move faces criticism from medical associations and health groups. Regional authorities are also concerned about the bureaucratic burden of reversing past sentences and fines under the new law.
With opposition leader Friedrich Merz already threatening to repeal the law if his party regains power in 2025, Germany’s journey towards cannabis legalization appears to be fraught with challenges.
