Germany legalizes recreational cannabis use and possession of small amounts. Society

The German Bundestag approved this Friday the controversial bill of the German Health Minister, Carl Lauterbach, to legalize the consumption of cannabis, although it was strongly criticized by experts and the opposition, as well as within the coalition. Formed by the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, the Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens and the Liberals (FDP). With this measure, which is scheduled to come into effect on April 1, the government coalition is moving forward with one of its main projects.

Until now, there was a ban on any form of possession of this drug by individuals in Germany, although possession of small amounts was not prosecuted for a long time in many places. For example, medical cannabis for pain patients has been legal with a prescription since 2017. But so far, with the new rule, which received 407 votes in favor, 226 against and four abstentions, some amount of possession and cultivation by adults will be legal in the future. Additionally, cannabis will be removed from narcotics laws and doctors will be able to more easily prescribe it for health purposes.

The new law establishes that it will be legal to possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis in public places and authorizes the cultivation of up to 50 grams at home and three plants per household. In addition, cultivation and distribution will initially be possible through non-commercial clubs, known as cannabis clubs, where only adults can access and where a maximum of 25 grams of the substance per day and a maximum of 50 grams per month are allowed. It is possible These associations can have up to 500 members. However, members between the ages of 18 and 21 will receive a maximum of 30 grams per month and the THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive component of cannabis) content must not exceed 10%. For reference: from 25 grams you can make about 75 joints.

Additionally, cannabis clubs will be able to provide members with seeds and cuttings to grow at home, with a maximum of seven seeds or five cuttings per month. In addition, the new law establishes that the consumption of cannabis will not be allowed in schools, facilities for children and youth, public playgrounds, publicly accessible sports facilities and within a radius of 100 meters around them. Drinking alcohol will be prohibited in pedestrian areas from 7 am to 8 pm. There will be a 24-hour ban on drug consumption in the military areas of the German Army.

Education for responsible consumption

To address the danger of trivializing cannabis consumption, in addition to reducing the amount allowed up to the age of 21, the Ministry of Health has launched an education campaign for this group of people. The first assessment of the impact of legalization on the protection of children and young people will be conducted within 18 months of its implementation. This plan has been made for the entire bill after four years.

“The situation we are in now is in no way acceptable,” Lauterbach declared in a parliamentary debate this Friday. In his opinion, the law will help fight against the “worrying criminal black market”, increasing the number of users and providing a legal alternative to “toxic concentrations” of cannabis from illegal drug trafficking.

“The black market is the root of the problem,” the social democratic politician said. “Every fight against the black market is an important step towards protecting young people,” he said, highlighting that greater education among youth is planned. “We don’t want to be trivial,” he said. “Many young people still don’t know that cannabis use acts as a poison to the developing brain,” he said, noting the concerns caused by the new law. Are aware of the criticism.

Their position was supported by the Greens’ health expert, politician Kirsten Kapert-Gonther, who assured that it ends a “harmful prohibition policy” and “strengthens the health and safety of young people.” Meanwhile, FDP politician Christine Lütke referred to legalization as a “historic turning point” that reflects social reality and, thanks to domesticated cannabis, will ensure consumers know where it comes from.

But not everyone sees it the same way. The legalization of cannabis is very controversial in the country and has had to overcome many obstacles on the way to bringing it to light. First within the executive and then in front of the opposition. Germans themselves are divided, according to a poll published on the same day of the vote. 47% indicated that they support legalization somewhat or completely. Meanwhile, according to the poll conducted by YouGov and released by German press agency DPA, 42% said they somewhat or completely reject it and 11% had no statement on the matter.

Conservatives and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party strongly criticized the law. For Christian Democratic Union (CDU) deputy Simone Borchardt, the measure amounts to “help for any smuggler” and she warned of an increase in consumption and additional burden on the health system. To do this, it drew on criticism of the project by medical associations, psychiatrists, jurists and the police union. Furthermore, he pointed out that it would not be possible to control private farming.

Others, such as Christian Social Union (CSU) politician Stephan Pilsinger, took the opportunity to recall the dangers of consumption for the brain development of young people up to the age of 25 and pointed out that “when large amounts of drug is consumed.” This permit is enough for 75 joints, you can no longer distinguish between consumers and smugglers.” For his part, the AfD’s Jörg Schneider predicted an increase in the black market, “especially if clubs start deliveries by the end of the year. He criticized the law as an “incentive program for organized crime”.

The new law must still be passed by the Bundesrat (the chamber of representatives of the German states) on March 22. Although it does not require approval, the Bundesrat can convene a conciliation committee with the Bundestag and thus delay its entry into force. However, Lauterbach was confident that there would be no obstacles. “The Bundesrat will see that we are solving the problem that we have had for so long and by which the states are also directly affected,” adding that there are currently “too many controls, too many convictions, an increasingly Black market and no success.” With the law out, smugglers have “no reason to celebrate.”

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