Germany set to legalise cannabis, but it's complicated
2024-02-23 11:18:21+00:00
The German parliament is about to vote on a new law to allow the
recreational use of cannabis.
If MPs vote yes, over 18s in Germany will be allowed to possess
substantial amounts of cannabis, but strict rules will make it
difficult to buy the drug.
Smoking cannabis in many public spaces would then become legal from 1
April.
Possession of up to 25g, or almost an ounce, would be allowed in
public spaces, and in private homes the legal upper limit would be
50g.
Already police in some parts of Germany, such as Berlin, often turn a
blind eye to smoking in public, although possession of the drug for
recreational use is illegal and can be prosecuted. Use of the drug
among young people has been soaring for years despite the existing
law, says Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who is instigating the
reforms.
He wants to undermine the black market, protect smokers from
contaminated cannabis and cut revenue streams for organised crime
gangs.
But legal cannabis cafes will not suddenly spring up all over the
country.
A ferocious debate about decriminalising cannabis has been raging for
years in Germany, with doctors' groups expressing concerns for young
people and conservatives saying that liberalisation will fuel drug
use.
As so often in Germany, the resulting bill being voted on by MPs is
complicated.
Smoking cannabis in some areas, such as near schools and sports
grounds, will still be illegal. Crucially, the market will be
strictly regulated so buying the drug will not be easy.
Original plans to allow licensed shops and pharmacies to sell
cannabis have been scrapped over EU concerns that this could lead to
a surge in drug exports.
Instead, non-commercial members' clubs, dubbed "cannabis social
clubs", will grow and distribute a limited amount of the drug.
Each club will have an upper limit of 500 members, consuming cannabis
onsite will not be allowed, and membership will only be available to
German residents.
Growing your own cannabis will also be permitted, with up to three
marijuana plants allowed per household.
This means that Germany could be in the paradoxical position of
allowing possession of rather large amounts of the drug - 25g is the
equivalent of dozens of strong joints - while at the same time making
it difficult to purchase.
Regular smokers would benefit, but occasional users would struggle to
buy it legally and tourists would be excluded. Critics say this will
simply fuel the black market.
Over the next few years, the government wants to assess the impact of
the new law, and eventually introduce the licensed sale of cannabis.
But given how tortuous the debate has been so far, nothing is
certain.
Meanwhile, opposition conservatives say that if they get into
government next year, they will scrap the law entirely. Germany is
unlikely to become Europe's new Amsterdam anytime soon.
