The German Bundestag voted on Friday to legalize possession and use of up to 50 grams of cannabis, though with a set of restrictions that accompany the reform.
The bill, proposed by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach in April of the previous year, sparked wide debate. In a version heavily amended, it secured the backing of lawmakers from the governing coalition of Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats, along with members of The Left party.
Opposition parties, notably the Christian Democrats and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), voted against the proposal.
“I opposed legalization for many years, but science now supports continuing along this path,” Lauterbach said during his remarks.
The minister pressed for avoiding punitive approaches and the taboo surrounding cannabis, arguing against criminalizing young people who could be drawn into an illegal market because they lack protections from it.
Lauterbach summarized the law by noting that it will legalize self-use, creating an alternative to the black market, while also increasing penalties for traffickers who sell to minors and funding campaigns to raise adolescent awareness about the particular dangers of marijuana when the brain is still developing.
Opponents from conservative ranks criticized the plan, saying it could have the opposite effect and that the government coalition seems preoccupied with identity issues rather than 핵?—and ignores important topics for everyday citizens.
“Do you seriously believe that legalizing cannabis will reduce use among children and teens? That is the dumbest thing I have heard,” declared CDU lawmaker Tino Sorge.
From April, when the new law takes effect, adults over 18 may cultivate up to three cannabis plants for personal use or possess up to 50 grams of dried flowers in private spaces (a maximum of 25 grams in public spaces).
Starting in July, private clubs with up to 500 members may grow cannabis collectively for private consumption, not for commercial sale, and exchange it among members within the club framework.
Criminal records for possession or self-cultivation of up to 25 grams will be expunged retroactively for those convicted previously.
Public use will remain restricted; it remains illegal within 100 meters of school entrances and sports facilities, and in pedestrian zones smoking will be prohibited before 7:00 PM local time.
A formal evaluation of the health impact on children and adolescents is planned no later than 18 months after the law’s entry into force.
Objec tions and anticipation
Legal scholars have warned about the administrative burden of reviewing up to 100,000 cannabis-related offenses, while medical associations warn about the potential risks for young people.
Klaus Reinhardt, president of the Hartmann Medical League, expressed concern that legalization could lead more people to experiment with cannabis, since regular use before age 25 can cause irreversible brain development harm.
On the other side, pro-cannabis groups expect a surge in self-use clubs, estimating between 3,000 and 4,000 in the first year, according to Steffen Geyer, president of the Cannabis Social Clubs Association, speaking to a major news outlet. He noted at least 300 groups are already in the process of forming clubs ahead of the law’s start date.
Cited sources indicate that the movement toward permissive norms is well underway, with organizers readying structures to transition from concept to operation as the new framework comes into effect [Source: Reuters].