The German parliament is considering a new law that would allow people over 18 to use cannabis for fun. If the law passes, adults in Germany could have a good amount of cannabis, but there will be strict rules about buying it.
Starting from April 1, it would be legal to use the substance in many public places. People could carry up to 25 grams of cannabis in public and have up to 50 grams in their homes.
In some parts of Germany, like Berlin, police sometimes ignore people using cannabis in public. Right now, having the substance for fun is against the law and you could get in trouble for it. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach says more young people are using cannabis despite the current laws. He wants this new law to hurt the illegal market, keep users safe from bad cannabis, and reduce money for crime groups.
But, this doesn’t mean cannabis cafes will pop up everywhere. There’s been a big argument in Germany for a long time about making the substance use legal. Some doctors and conservative groups worry it will make more people use drugs.
The law that parliament is voting on is quite complex. Using cannabis near schools and sports areas will still be against the law, and buying the substance won’t be easy because the market will be tightly controlled.
Earlier ideas to let shops and pharmacies sell cannabis were dropped because of concerns from the EU that it might lead to more drug exports.
Instead, “cannabis social clubs” that aren’t out to make money will grow and share a limited amount of the substance. These clubs can have up to 500 members, won’t allow using the substance there, and you have to live in Germany to join.
People will also be allowed to grow up to three cannabis plants at home. So, while having cannabis will be somewhat allowed, buying it will still be tough. Regular users might find this okay, but it could be hard for others to buy it legally, and tourists can’t get it. Some think this will just keep the illegal market going.
The government plans to see how this new law works out and might later allow the substance to be sold in licensed places.
Opposition conservatives have said they will cancel the law if they win the government next year. So, Germany won’t be turning into the next Amsterdam anytime soon.