Cannabis: Germany legalises possession of drug for personal use
Adults will be allowed to grow up to three plants each and buy up to 25 grams of the drug a day. But critics fear the measures will encourage more young people to consume it.
Russell Hope
News reporter @SkyRussHope1
Friday 23 February 2024 18:43, UK
PRODUCTION – 22 February 2024, Hamburg: Cannabis plants (approx. 4 weeks old) in their growth phase in a grow tent under artificial lighting in a private room. The Bundestag will decide on the legalization of cannabis in Germany on 23.02.2024. Photo by: Christian Charisius/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images
Image:
Cannabis plants in Hamburg. Pic: AP
Why you can trust Sky News
The German parliament has approved controversial plans to legalise the personal use of cannabis.
The measure was passed by Germany’s lower house, the Bundestag, on Friday.
From 1 April, adults will be able to buy up to 25 grams (one ounce) of the drug a day, or up to 50 grams (two ounces) per month for recreational use.
The figure will be capped at 30 grams a month for under-21s.
Users will also be able to grow up to three plants each for private consumption.
Germany’s upper house, which represents 16 state governments, could in principle delay the legislation, though it does not formally require the chamber’s approval.
Bavaria’s conservative state government has also said it would examine whether legal action could be taken to halt the law.
The plans, part of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s social reform programme, passed by 407 votes to 226 on Friday.
The measures were previously scheduled to become law at the start of the year, but got held up following resistance from some lawmakers in Mr Scholz’s ruling three-party coalition.
Advertisement
Health minister Karl Lauterbach during the debate on legalising cannabis. Pic: AP
Image:
Health minister Karl Lauterbach in the Bundestag during the debate. Pic: AP
Health minister Karl Lauterbach said: “We have two goals: to crack down on the black market and improved protection of children and young people.”
He said that Germany’s current laws had failed, as usage is growing and the country is facing increasing problems from contaminated or overly-concentrated batches. An estimated 4.5 million Germans use the drug.
Inside the first UK medical cannabis group to win right to sell in Britain1:02
Play Video – How medical cannabis is made
How medical cannabis is made
Mr Lauterbach added: “Whatever we do, we can’t carry on like this. You can stick your head in the sand… but we won’t solve a single problem that way.”
The minister said research suggested the best approach to managing the drug was to remove its social taboos and ensure users are informed about the risks.
However, Conservative lawmaker Tino Sorge, a member of Germany’s centre-right opposition, attacked the plans.
The Christian Democrat legislator said: “You are asserting in all seriousness that, by legalising more drugs, we will contain drug use among young people.
“That is the most stupid thing I’ve ever heard.”
Customer grinds cannabis at a cafe in LA.2:42
Play Video – California set to launch cannabis cafes
California set to launch cannabis cafes
The measures also allow German residents aged 18 and over to join non-profit “cannabis clubs,” with a maximum of 500 members each, which can grow the drug for their members’ personal use only from 1 July.
Under the new legislation, dealers caught selling to children or youths could be jailed for up to two years.
Read more from Sky News:
Cat killer found guilty of man’s murder
At least 10 dead after fire in major Spanish city
Politician avoids suspension over ‘anti-English’ gun post
Advertising and sponsorships featuring the drug will also be banned, along with smoking it near schools, playgrounds and sports facilities.
The plans are less radical than the government’s original proposals, to allow cannabis to be sold to adults at licensed outlets, which were watered down following discussions with the EU.
Germany becomes the ninth country to legalise recreational use of the drug, while many more allow its medical use as a painkiller.
Related Topics
Cannabis
Drugs
Germany
Marijuana
Olaf Scholz
