Germany legalises possession of drug for personal use

The German parliament has approved contentious plans to legalize personal cannabis use.

Germany's lower house, the Bundestag, passed the measure on Friday.

Starting April 1st, adults can purchase up to 25 grams (about one ounce) of cannabis daily, or up to 50 grams (about two ounces) monthly for recreational purposes. For those under 21, the monthly limit is capped at 30 grams.

Individuals will also have the right to cultivate up to three plants each for personal consumption.

While the upper house, representing 16 state governments, could potentially delay the legislation, its formal approval is not required.

Bavaria's conservative state government has expressed intentions to explore legal avenues to challenge the law.

The initiative, part of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's social reform agenda, was approved with 407 votes in favor and 226 against.

Originally slated to take effect at the beginning of the year, the law encountered delays due to resistance within Scholz's ruling coalition.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach emphasized two objectives: curbing the black market and enhancing protection for minors.

He argued that current laws have proven ineffective, given rising usage and associated problems like contaminated or excessively potent batches. An estimated 4.5 million Germans use cannabis.

Lauterbach stressed the importance of destigmatizing cannabis and providing comprehensive information about its risks based on research findings.

However, Conservative lawmaker Tino Sorge, representing Germany's center-right opposition, criticized the plans, asserting that legalizing more drugs would not deter youth drug use.

The legislation also permits German residents aged 18 and above to join nonprofit "cannabis clubs," limited to 500 members each, which can cultivate cannabis for personal use starting July 1st.

Under the new law, dealers caught selling to minors could face up to two years in jail. Advertising and sponsorships related to cannabis will be prohibited, as will smoking near schools, playgrounds, and sports facilities.

These measures are less extensive than the government's initial proposals, which included selling cannabis to adults through licensed establishments, but were revised following discussions with the EU.

Germany joins the ranks of nine countries legalizing recreational cannabis use, with many others permitting its medical use as a pain reliever.