After much anticipation, Germany became the third EU country to legalize adult-use cannabis following a decisive vote in the Bundestag, marking a significant shift in drug policy and setting a precedent that may influence other EU nations.
Germany Passes Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization
Cannabis plant with German flag in the background
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Germany became the third European Union country to pass adult-use cannabis legalization on Friday after lawmakers in the Bundestag, which is the country’s lower parliamentary body, approved the Cannabis Act in a 407-226 vote, the Associated Press reports.
Following the approval, cannabis possession by adults aged 18 or older will become legal starting April 1, which coincides with German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach’s prediction from earlier this year. Under the new law, adults will be allowed to grow up to three cannabis plants at home for their personal use.
Starting July 1, adults will be allowed to join nonprofit “cannabis clubs” which will be allowed to grow cannabis for its members — the clubs, however, will be limited to a maximum of 500 members, and individuals will not be allowed to enroll in multiple clubs at once. Club members will be allowed to purchase up to 25 grams of cannabis per day or a maximum of 50 grams per month (limited to just 30 grams per month for people younger than 21).
Clubs won’t be allowed to be located near schools, playgrounds, or sports facilities, the report said.
The legalization policy is the result of Germany’s coalition government led by the Greens, the Social Democrat Party, and the Liberals. Additionally, the legalization of cannabis in Germany — which has the largest economy in the EU — is expected by cannabis industry experts to inspire similar policies in other EU member nations. Cannabis is already legal in Malta and Luxembourg.
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