By Uzair Adam Imam
Adults in Germany will have more freedom regarding cannabis possession and cultivation starting April 1st as the country implements a partial legalization program.
However, the new law comes with limitations and has drawn mixed reactions.
The legislation allows adults over 18 to carry up to 25 grams of dried cannabis for personal use.
Home cultivation of up to three cannabis plants per person is also permitted, with a maximum storage allowance of 50 grams of dried cannabis at home.
Public consumption is restricted, with smoking banned within 100 meters of schools, playgrounds, and sports facilities and in pedestrian zones between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Starting in July, Germany plans to introduce a system of regulated cannabis clubs.
These non-profit organizations will have a maximum of 500 members and can sell a limited amount (50 grams per month) of dried cannabis to each member.
Adults under 21 will face additional restrictions on both monthly amounts and THC content.
Notably, meeting and consuming cannabis within the clubs is not allowed, and membership is restricted to one club at a time.
The government hopes this reform will tackle the black market and associated health risks.
However, the law has been criticized by medical groups and regional authorities, who worry about public health consequences and implementation challenges.
A second law is planned to test shop or pharmacy sales in specific regions, but the European Union initially opposed this proposal.
Opposition parties have already voiced disapproval and threatened to overturn the law if they win the 2025 elections.
Germany’s cannabis reform is a work in progress, sparking debate while offering a more regulated approach to the drug.