Germany Partially Legalizes Marijuana... Ninth in the World

Individuals Allowed to Possess Up to 25g and Cultivate 3 Plants
Authorities State "Crackdown on Black Market and Child Protection Purpose"

Marijuana is expected to be partially legalized in Germany. If the bill is approved, it will become the ninth country to allow individuals to possess and cultivate marijuana for recreational use.

According to AFP and other news agencies, the German Bundestag voted on the amendment to the Narcotics Act on the 23rd (local time), passing it with 407 votes in favor, 226 against, and 4 abstentions.

Marijuana [Image source=Yonhap News]

German authorities decided to legalize marijuana to regulate its distribution amid widespread availability, curb the circulation of substandard products in the black market, and prevent minors from using it. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach explained the legislative intent, saying, “There are two goals: to bring marijuana out of the taboo zone and crack down on the black market, and to protect children and young people.”

According to the bill, adults aged 18 and over can possess up to 25g of marijuana for personal use and cultivate up to three plants at home.

From July, self-supply through non-profit marijuana clubs will also be allowed. Up to 500 German residents can form a club to jointly cultivate marijuana, and members can obtain up to 25g per day and 50g per month. However, smoking marijuana inside the club is prohibited, and youth protection and addiction prevention officers must be appointed. Advertising is also banned.

On pedestrian-only streets, smoking marijuana is prohibited before 8 p.m., and marijuana consumption is banned within 100 meters of schools and sports facilities. Minors under 18 caught possessing marijuana must participate in educational programs.

Marijuana

Those previously convicted of marijuana possession or cultivation can apply to authorities to have their criminal records expunged within the limits set by the revised law.

After more than ten years of discussion, the German government and parliament decided on partial legalization, but opposition remains significant in some quarters. It is impossible to distinguish legally grown marijuana from illegal marijuana, leading to claims that legalization could actually expand the black market.

Klaus Reinhardt, head of the German Medical Association, warned in an interview with WDR broadcasting, “Marijuana causes dependency in about 10% of users, and regular use until the age of 25 can cause permanent brain damage.”

The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) submitted a report during the discussions stating that marijuana legalization could increase police workload and jeopardize traffic safety, and judges are also concerned about excessive workloads. Sven Leben, head of the German Judges Association, lamented, “More than 100,000 cases nationwide will have to be reviewed again.”