Favorable liberalization of cannabis laws and the balance of political power in our western neighbors - has made 2024 partial legalization of marijuana in Germany a reality. The landmark move by one of Europe's largest economies appeared to be a permanent move, but recently the enthusiasm of cannabis supporters has waned somewhat.
All due to the recent announcements by the CDU and CSU party coalition. How are cannabis laws in Germany today, how is public sentiment shaping up, and what does the future hold for cannabis in the country on the Rhine?
Liberal Germany? What has changed since April 1, 2024?
After years of public discussion, April 1, 2024 occurred Partial legalization of marijuana in Germany, which, to the delight of cannabis advocates, did not turn out to be an April Fool's joke. Under a Bundestag law, since the second quarter of last year, adults have been allowed to carry a up to 25 grams marijuana.
In addition, anyone over the age of 18 can have a up to 50 grams dried at home, and cultivate up to three cannabis plants for personal use.
The only stipulation is currently a ban on the consumption of marijuana on the grounds of playgrounds, sports centers and in schools, and within 100 meters of the entrance to these facilities. This liberalization of the law in this regard was a former demand signed in the coalition agreement of the SPD, FPD and Greens.
Cannabis Social Clubs - what are they?
In the package of the law in question sanctioning marijuana possession, Germany also legalized Cannabis Social Clubs. These are so-called Cannabis Clubs, or non-profit organizations, where it is possible to grow and distribute cannabis to members up to 50 grams per person per month.
The CSC's cooperative principles serve to share cannabis for both recreational and medicinal purposes. The Cannabis Social Club organization can have up to 500 members residing in Germany.
Benefits of legalizing marijuana in Germany
The legalization of marijuana in Germany is range of benefits - both for public health and safety and for the national economy. Here are the main advantages of liberalizing marijuana possession and use laws in Germany:
- increase public safety, as legalization of cannabis reduces the risk of developing illegal markets, as well as crime related to drug trafficking,
- Protecting public health - market regulations help control the quality of marijuana, including consumption of contaminated substances or of unknown composition or origin,
- higher revenues to the state budget, which can be allocated for social, educational or health purposes,
- fewer police interventions and the burden on the courts of cases involving possession of small amounts of marijuana, allowing them to focus on more serious crimes,
- Support for scientific research and medicine - legalization of marijuana facilitates research related to its medicinal properties,
- new jobs - a legal market in a straight line translates into increased hiring,
- Changing social attitudes - the sanctioning of cannabis is linked to reducing the stigmatization of users of the popular "herb."
An important aspect of reaping the long-term benefits of marijuana legalization in Germany is the Promoting a responsible approach to cannabis in society.
Germany and the legalization of marijuana permanently. What's next?
It comes after the German government passed a law to partially legalize marijuana starting April 1, 2024, discussion between supporters and opponents continues unabated of this solution. What will Germany ultimately decide?
Legalization or outlawing of marijuana?
Currently, more than half of Germans favor maintaining the liberalized cannabis law, but the current ruling camp of the CDU/CSU has announced that it intends to repeal the "controversial" law. According to the Khadecks, legalizing cannabis in Germany harms young people and makes it harder for police to fight drug crime. Most states are in favor of maintaining the current law, but some, such as Bavaria, are opting to withdraw from legalizing marijuana. The public debate continues.
