Cannabis: German government gives green light to legalization

Towards the legalization of cannabis across the Rhine. The Council of Ministers this Wednesday passed a bill aimed at legalizing cannabis for recreational purposes. According to the text, which is to be discussed and voted by Parliament, from the age of 18 it will be possible to buy and store up to 25 grams of cannabis.

Like Malta and Luxembourg, which legalized recreational marijuana in 2021 and 2023 respectively, Germany will have some of the most liberal legislation in Europe.

Criticized reform

Social Democrat Olaf Scholz’s coalition with the Greens and Liberals made this legalization one of the flagship projects of his mandate. However, the original plan went much further. Berlin included the sale of cannabis in specialized shops in the first version of the reform. Faced with Brussels’ reservations, Berlin had to revise its copy.

The reform has drawn criticism from the opposition, police unions or judges who believe it will not end human trafficking when that is one of the goals. Under this bill, it will also be possible to grow up to three cannabis plants for one’s own use.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach is also planning to launch a major information campaign aimed at young people about the dangers of cannabis for the brain. “For young people (under 18 years old — ed.), consumption remains prohibited, and for young people (under 21 years old) it is limited,” he recalled in a press release.

Cannabis social clubs

The new legislation provides for the creation of non-profit associations whose adult members – limited to 500 – will be able to grow the plant for their own consumption under the supervision of government agencies.

These “Social Cannabis Clubs”, as they call themselves, will be regulated: they will be able to supply only to their members and at the rate of 25 grams per day, a maximum of 50 grams per month. For young people aged 18 to 21, it will be slightly less: 30 grams per month. Cannabis use must be outside of these clubs and will be prohibited within 200 meters of these clubs, schools, playgrounds, sports fields and youth associations.