The legalization of recreational marijuana in Germany has sparked mixed reactions among citizens, with marijuana campaigners celebrating the new law while doctors and police express concerns. The German Cannabis Association organized a “smoke-in” event at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to mark the law taking effect, with other public consumption events planned in various cities across the country. Germany now joins Malta and Luxembourg as the third European Union country to legalize cannabis for personal use, with the government emphasizing that the move aims to reduce criminal activity related to the drug, ensure quality control, and allow law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes.
Under the new law, adults aged 18 and older are allowed to possess up to 25 grams of marijuana for recreational purposes and can grow up to three plants for personal use. Consumption is prohibited within 100 meters of schools or playgrounds, with further regulations coming into effect in July. Nonprofit “cannabis clubs” with a maximum of 500 members per club will be established, allowing members to purchase up to 25 grams per day or a maximum of 50 grams per month. The legislation also includes an amnesty for individuals with previous cannabis-related offenses that are no longer considered illegal, potentially overturning thousands of sentences.
The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction notes a general trend among EU countries to reduce penalties for cannabis possession, either by decriminalizing it or diverting offenders to treatment rather than the criminal justice system. In the Netherlands, cannabis remains illegal but is tolerated in designated “coffee shops.” While several European countries permit medical cannabis under different regulations, Germany’s new law represents a significant step towards broader legalization for recreational use. The legislation was passed by a coalition of political parties in Germany, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats and the Greens, against opposition from some federal states and the Christian Democrats.
Despite the new law, leading garden stores in Germany have indicated that they will not be selling cannabis plants as part of their horticultural offerings. The German Medical Association and the union representing German police officers have both expressed concerns about the potential impacts of legalization, warning of negative consequences for young people and suggesting that the move sends the wrong signal. The issue remains contentious, with parties such as the Christian Democrats vowing to reverse the law if they win national elections in the future, although any new government coalition is likely to include parties that supported the legislation. Overall, the legalization of recreational marijuana in Germany reflects a broader shift in attitudes towards drug policy in the EU and raises questions about the potential social and economic implications of such laws.
