2024-04-01 23:38:14
The traffic light coalition has achieved its goal: Smoking weed is now permitted for adults within limits. t-online answers the most pressing questions.
The most important things at a glance
The highly controversial legalization of cannabis has come into force. From April 1st, adults will be allowed to smoke the first permitted “joints”. An overview of the most important questions and answers.
Why is legalization even happening?
It is a turning point in drug policy. “Cannabis is very widespread despite the current ban,” said Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert (SPD). A rethink and more youth protection are urgently needed.
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) is committed to limiting risks and pushing back the black market in contaminated substances. But he also emphasizes the message: “It will be legal, but there are problems.” Until now, many parents did not know how harmful consumption was. Young adults in particular should be made aware of the increased risks.
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How is legalization implemented?
Cannabis has been removed from the list of prohibited substances in the Narcotics Act. Contact remains fundamentally prohibited – but with three exceptions for people aged 18 and over. These concern the ownership of certain quantities, private cultivation as well as cultivation and distribution in special associations. Personal consumption is generally not a prohibited activity under international law. The use of cannabis and consumption in the military areas of the Bundeswehr should remain taboo.
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What exactly is possible for adults?
It is permitted to possess up to 25 grams of dried plant material for personal consumption, which can also be carried in public spaces. You can store up to 50 grams in your private apartment. Three plants can also be grown there at the same time. Anything beyond this must be destroyed immediately. Harvesting may only be done for personal consumption and not for passing on to others. Seeds, plants and harvested cannabis must be protected against theft and access by children – for example with lockable cupboards and rooms.
What should cannabis cultivation clubs look like?
“Growing associations” will also be allowed on July 1st. So something like clubs for adults, in which up to 500 members grow cannabis and distribute it to each other for their own consumption – a maximum of 25 grams per member per day and a maximum of 50 grams per month. For 18 to 21 year olds, 30 grams per month should be allowed with a maximum of ten Percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is permitted, which is the substance with the intoxicating effect.
The clubs must be organized as non-commercial associations and require a permit that is valid for a limited period of time. The attached building may not be an apartment and may not have conspicuous signs. Advertising is taboo, including cannabis consumption directly on site. Cultivated areas and warehouses must be secured, and rules should apply to transport.
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What other requirements are there?
To get community-grown cannabis, you have to accept it on site, present your membership card and an official photo ID. Only cannabis in its pure form is permitted, i.e. as dried flowers and leaves close to the flowers (marijuana) or secreted resin (hashish). Mixtures with tobacco, nicotine or food are prohibited.
The pack must be neutral. An information sheet must list, among other things, the weight in grams, the variety, the average THC content in percent and information about the risks of consumption. A purchase price may not be charged; the associations should finance themselves through their membership fees. Documentation requirements and official controls are also regulated.