Cannabis Legalization in Germany: Bundesrat Validates Bill

Germany’s cannabis legalization will be implemented as planned on April 1, with legislators representing the various states within the Bundesrat refusing to refer the legislation to a mediation committee, which would have delayed the timeline by six months.

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Efforts to Avoid Delay

While the Bundestag passed the cannabis legalization measure last month, supporters were concerned that the Federal Council might vote to recommend referral to a committee during a meeting held on Friday.

However, this did not happen, meaning that the law, which will make possession and home cultivation legal and will allow Cannabis Social Clubs to distribute cannabis to their members, will come into effect on April 1. Clubs will be able to open as early as July 1.

To avoid this delay, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who has been the government’s frontman for the cannabis plan for months, presented a “protocol declaration” to the Federal Council before the vote, aimed at addressing members’ concerns on issues such as youth prevention, reducing the size of cultivations, and zoning requirements for social clubs that might eventually distribute cannabis to adults.

Although Mr. Lauterbach’s proposed protocol declaration is not legally binding, the strategy ultimately worked, as the body apparently accepted the arrangement and did not vote in favor of mediation.

“The fight was worth it, cannabis legalization arrives on Easter Monday!” Lauterbach said in a social media message on Friday.

“We ask you to use this new opportunity responsibly and to contribute to the protection of children and young people. I hope this is the beginning of the end for the black market today.”

What Will Cannabis Legalization Permit in Germany?

Adults aged 18 and over will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis for their own consumption.

Public consumption will be permitted, provided it is not done in view of children or near sports facilities. It will also be prohibited in pedestrian zones between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Adults will also be allowed to store up to 50 grams of cannabis at home, as well as to keep three plants for home cultivation.

Starting July 1, Cannabis Social Clubs will be able to grow and purchase cannabis on a limited basis. These Clubs will be able to have up to 500 members and will be reserved for German residents.

Cannabis will remain prohibited for minors.

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(Featured image by Jeff W via Unsplash)

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