Germany passed a law today allowing individuals and voluntary associations to grow and possess limited amounts of cannabis, joining the small group of countries that have legalized the drug.
The law passed by Chancellor Olaf Solz’s ruling three-party coalition legalizes the cultivation of up to three plants for private consumption and the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis.
Cannabis clubs
Larger-scale, but non-commercial, production of cannabis will be allowed to members of so-called cannabis clubs with no more than 500 members, who must be adults. Only club members can consume their product.
“We have two goals: cracking down on the black market and improving the protection of children and young people,” Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said at the start of a raucous debate where the opposition accused him of promoting drug use.
“You claim in all seriousness that by legalizing more drugs we will reduce drug use by young people,” said Christian Democrat lawmaker Tino Sorge.
“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
But Lauterbach said failing to recognize the extent of cannabis use is like “burying our heads in the sand”: not only has use skyrocketed among young people, whose developing brains are particularly at risk, but drugs in roads are both stronger and dirtier these days, significantly increasing their damage.
It is estimated that around 4.5 million Germans use cannabis.
Where else is cannabis legal?
Germany becomes the ninth country to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, which is also legal in some areas in the United States and Australia.
Many more countries allow its medical use as a pain reliever. Cannabis remains illegal for minors, as does its consumption near schools and playgrounds.
Some MPs have questioned whether the new regulations will have much of an impact on trafficking, as those unwilling to grow their own cannabis or join a cannabis club may still prefer to buy the drug.
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