Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, passed a bill Feb. 23 legalizing the regulated production and consumption of cannabis. The legislation was brought by the federal government, led by the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), the center-right Free Democratic Party (FDP), and the ecologist Greens party. In a roll-call vote, 407 MPs supported the law, 226 opposed it, and four abstained. The legislation faced opposition from the conservative Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) and affiliated Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU) as well as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
The "Law on the Controlled Handling of Cannabis" permits adults to possess up to 50 grams for personal use in private settings, and up to 25 grams in public spaces. It allows controlled distribution of cannabis, with a maximum transfer of 25 grams per day, with a cap of 50 grams per month for adults, and 30 grams per month for those aged 18 to 21. Cannabis must meet quality standards, and be passed on in its herbaceous form. Consumption is prohibited within 100 meters of specific areas. Advertizing and sponsorship of cannabis are banned. Plans to allow commercial production and sale were scrapped in the final legislation.
Individuals will be allowed to grow up to three cannabis plants for personal use, with measures to prevent access by children. Non-commercial cultivation associations, or "cannabis social clubs," will also be permitted to grow and distribute to their members. Restrictions include a membership limit of 500 individuals residing in Germany.
German Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach supported the legislation, and stated that the failure of past prohibition policies has led to increased youth usage, a thriving black market, toxic cannabis products and rising crime. He added that emphasizing education over bans and eliminating the black market offers a more effective solution.
The measure stil needs approval from the upper-house Bundesrsat, or Federal Council, where little opposition is expected. Set to take effect on April 1, 2024, the reform will be evaluated for its impact after four years. (Jurist, BBC News, AP, NYT)
Image: Jurist
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Final approval for Germany's Cannabis Act