Cannabis use is being decriminalized in Germany
A bill partially liberalizing the use of cannabis in Germany has been passed in the Bundestag. The bill, which stipulates conditions for the controlled production, supply and use of cannabis, passed the Bundestag with 226 "No" votes against 407 "Yes" votes after heated debates. 4 MPs abstained from voting.
The Social Democratic Party led by Prime Minister Olaf Scholz, coalition partners the Greens, the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Left Party MPs supported the bill, while the main opposition conservative Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) voted against it.
In order for the bill to become law and enter into force, it must also be adopted by the Bundesrat (Bundestag). It is stated that this process may take longer due to the opposition's intense objections.
The law, which partially liberalizes the use of cannabis, will enter into force on April 1 if the approval processes are completed, and Germany will become the 9th country where the use of cannabis has become legal.
What does the new regulation stipulate?
Adults will be able to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis on their person. The amount of cannabis that can be kept at home will not exceed 50 grams. They will also be able to grow up to three cannabis plants at home.
Possession of cannabis in quantities exceeding the prescribed limits will be punishable by a fine or up to three years in prison. Cannabis may only be consumed in public places, such as parks, streets or squares, between 20:00 and 07:00 in the evening. The rest of the time, cannabis use in open spaces will be prohibited.
The law also prohibits the use of cannabis in the vicinity of children and young people. Adults will not be able to use cannabis within 100 meters of kindergartens, schools, facilities, parks and sports fields where children or young people are present. Cannabis use will also be prohibited in the presence of children and young people at home or in private settings.
Cannabis will only be available from Cannabis Clubs
The bill passed by the Bundestag envisages the establishment of Cannabis Clubs. These clubs, which have the status of associations, can be established with official permission and have up to 500 members.
Apart from the permission to grow cannabis for personal consumption at home, cannabis can only be purchased from these clubs. The clubs will be allowed to grow cannabis plants and sell cannabis to their members.
Anyone who wants to buy cannabis must be a member of these clubs and members will be able to buy a maximum of 50 grams of cannabis in a month. Those between the ages of 18 and 21 will only be able to buy 30 grams of cannabis per month. Cannabis seedlings and seeds can also be purchased from these clubs.
However, it will be forbidden to use cannabis in these clubs. The regulations on cannabis clubs will come into force on June 1, as the states will have to prepare for the new regulations. The government is also working on a plan to allow the sale of cannabis in pharmacies or state-licensed stores in some regions in the coming months. A separate bill will be prepared for this.
What is the government aiming for with the new regulation?
The German government says the new regulation aims to prevent the uncontrolled sale of cannabis with toxic substances on the black market and to cut off drug traffickers.
German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach argued that by partially legalizing the use of cannabis, they aim to crack down on the black market. Lauterbach also said the aim was to reduce drug-related crime, limit drug trafficking by organized crime groups and reduce the number of users.
Lauterbach emphasized that the regulation should not be misunderstood and said, "The use of cannabis is being legalized, but this does not mean that cannabis is not dangerous."
Lauterbach said that the rate of cannabis consumption between the ages of 18-25 in Germany has doubled in the last 10 years and that he himself was against the legalization of cannabis for a long time, but that the world of science convinced him of the necessity and importance of this.
The draft law passed in parliament introduces harsher penalties for the sale of cannabis outside of places controlled by the state. Selling cannabis to young people under 18 will be punishable by 2 years in prison instead of 1 year.
Objections continue: Can cause permanent brain damage
The partial legalization of cannabis use is being opposed by both the main opposition Christian Democrats and some experts.
The opposition accuses Health Minister Lauterbach of "irresponsibility" and "turning the state into a drug dealer" and argues that the new regulations will increase drug use and that those who do not want to become members of clubs with open identities will continue to buy cannabis on the black market.
Speaking before the vote in parliament, opposition MPs said that when they come to power, they will change the laws again and cannabis use will be banned again.
Physicians and health experts also voiced their objections to the law. Klaus Reinhart, President of the Association of German Physicians, pointed out that cannabis, which he said poses great risks to health, can lead to addiction. Reinhart warned that if used regularly, cannabis can cause permanent brain damage, especially in people under the age of 25.
German public opinion is divided
The number of cannabis users in Germany is estimated to be around 4,500,000.
Recent polls show that German public opinion is divided on the legalization of cannabis. In a poll conducted by YouGov, 42 percent of respondents said they were in favor of legalizing cannabis, while 47 percent said they were against it. 11 percent of respondents did not want to express an opinion on the new law.
Thanks for reading.
