BERLIN: Germany joined a small group of countries and jurisdictions to legalize cannabis on Friday when the Bundestag passed a law allowing individuals and voluntary associations to grow and possess limited amounts of the drug.
The law, approved by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s ruling coalition, legalizes the cultivation of up to three plants for private consumption and the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis.
Larger but still non-commercial cannabis production will be allowed to members of so-called cannabis clubs of up to 500 members, all of whom must be of legal age. Only club members can consume their product.
“We have two goals: to suppress the black market and to improve the protection of children and young people,” Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said at the start of a stormy debate where the opposition accused him of promoting drug use.
“In all seriousness, you are saying that by legalizing more drugs we will reduce drug use among young people,” said Christian Democrat lawmaker Tino Sorge.
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“That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.
But Lauterbach said this meant “burying your head in the sand”: not only had cannabis use skyrocketed among young people, whose developing brains were particularly at risk, but the drugs on the streets today were stronger and dirtier, greatly increasing their harm. .
An estimated 4.5 million Germans use cannabis.
Germany becomes the ninth country to legalize recreational use of the drug, which is also legal in some lower national jurisdictions in the United States and Australia.
Many other countries allow its medical use as a pain reliever. Cannabis remains illegal for minors, as does its consumption near schools and playgrounds.
Some lawmakers have questioned whether the new regulations will have a big impact on trafficking, as those unwilling to grow their own cannabis or join a cannabis club may still prefer to buy the drug.
