2023-08-16 13:35:20
An employee checks the quality of cannabis plants in a greenhouse at German pharmaceutical company Demecan’s production site for medical cannabis in Ebersbach near Dresden, eastern Germany, November 28, 2022. JENS SCHLUETER / AFP
Germany took another step towards the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes on Wednesday August 16 with the adoption by the Council of Ministers of the bill, which will be accompanied by a prevention campaign aimed at young people.
According to the text, which must still be debated and voted on by parliament, it will be possible, from the age of 18, to buy and possess up to 25 grams of cannabis. Germany will thus have one of the most liberal legislations in Europe, following in the footsteps of Malta and Luxembourg, which legalized recreational cannabis, respectively in 2021 and 2023.
The Social Democrat Olaf Sholz, with his coalition (Greens and Liberals), has made this legalization one of the flagship projects of his mandate even if the initial plan went much further. Faced with the reservations of the European Union, Berlin had to review its copy.
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The reform also arouses criticism from the opposition, police unions or judges who believe that it will not put an end to trafficking, when this is one of the objectives.
« Cannabis Social Clubs »
According to this bill, it will also be possible to cultivate up to three cannabis plants for one’s own use. The new legislation provides for the creation of non-profit associations whose adult members – their number being limited to five hundred – will be able to cultivate the plant for their sole consumption, under the supervision of the public authorities.
Ces « Cannabis Social Clubs », as they baptized themselves, will have a regulated activity: they will only be able to supply their members and at the rate of 25 grams per day with a maximum of 50 grams per month. For young people aged 18 to 21, it will be a little less: 30 grams per month. These clubs will be subject to controls by the public authorities.
Cannabis consumption must be outside these clubs and will be prohibited within 200 meters of these clubs, schools, playgrounds, sports fields and associations for young people.
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach also plans to launch a major awareness campaign aimed at young people on the dangers of cannabis for the brain “particularly harmful when it is still in a period of growth”. ” For the young [en dessous de 18 ans]consumption remains prohibited and for young adults [jusqu’à 21 ans]it is limited”he recalled in a press release.
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