Starting from Monday, Germans will have the legal right to consume marijuana. Additionally, they will be allowed to cultivate up to three cannabis plants at home, thanks to a new law enforced from April 1.
The German Cannabis Association, which advocated for the new legislation, organized a gathering at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate to mark the law’s implementation at midnight. Various public consumption events were planned across the nation, such as one in front of the Cologne cathedral and others in Hamburg, Regensburg, and Dortmund.
Germany has recently become part of the select few nations that have legalized marijuana, following the global trend. The government’s rationale behind this decision is to combat the black market and safeguard users from the potential dangers of consuming contaminated cannabis. However, it is worth noting that the country’s police union and a segment of medical experts have expressed concerns regarding the adverse effects of marijuana, especially on young individuals whose brains are still in the developmental stage and are more susceptible to addiction.
The new law also permits adults to possess up to 25 grams of marijuana for recreational use. Starting July 1, German residents aged 18 and above can participate in non-profit “cannabis clubs” with a maximum of 500 members each. The purchase limit is set at 25 grams per day or 50 grams per month, with a reduced cap of 30 grams for individuals under 21 years old. Membership in multiple clubs is prohibited.
