breaking news
It is one of the traffic light coalition’s major socio-political projects and was hotly contested until recently: Marijuana and hashish should become legal for adults – under conditions.
The Bundestag has decided on the controlled release of cannabis in Germany. Possession and cultivation of the drug will become legal on April 1st with numerous requirements for adults to consume themselves, according to a law passed by the traffic light coalition. 407 MPs voted in favour, 226 MPs voted no and there were four abstentions.
The law is expected to come before the Federal Council on March 22nd. It does not require approval, but the state chamber could in principle call the mediation committee with the Bundestag and slow down the process. The far-reaching break in drug policy was controversially discussed until recently.
Possession of up to 25 grams permitted
Adults aged 18 and over should generally be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal consumption. Three live cannabis plants and up to 50 grams of cannabis should be legal for personal consumption in your own home. Smoking weed in public spaces should be banned, among other things, in schools, sports facilities and within sight of them – specifically within 100 meters of the entrance area as the crow flies.
Non-commercial “cultivation associations” for adults should also be permitted, in which up to 500 members residing in Germany grow cannabis together and sell it to each other for their own consumption – a maximum of 50 grams per member per month. No later than 18 months after the law comes into force, an initial assessment should be available on, among other things, how it affects the protection of children and young people.
Lauterbach: “Booming black market”
After the Bundestag’s decision, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach expressed optimism that cannabis legalization would clear the last hurdle in the Bundesrat. He is confident that the Federal Council will see “that we are solving a problem that we have had for so long and which also directly affects the states,” said the SPD politician.
Lauterbach said there is currently “a lot of control, a lot of convictions, a booming black market and no success.” With the law, dealers would have “no reason to celebrate.”
“We are ending the harmful ban policy”
Green health politician Kirsten Kappert-Gonther said: “We are ending the harmful ban policy. We are releasing hemp.” This strengthens health and youth protection.
The FDP specialist politician Kristine Lütke spoke of a “historical turning point” towards an approach that corresponds to social reality. With home-grown cannabis, consumers would know where it comes from. In addition, the path to a dealer and other, far more dangerous drugs becomes significantly longer.
Criticism from the Union and AfD
The Union and AfD opposed the plans. CDU health politician Simone Borchardt warned of increasing consumption and an additional burden on the health system. She referred to the criticism of the project by medical associations, psychotherapists, lawyers and the police union. It is not possible to control private cultivation.
Stephan Pilsinger (CSU) recalled the dangers of consumption for the brain development of adolescents up to 25 years old. When a quantity of drugs is released that is enough for 75 joints, it is no longer possible to distinguish between self-consumers and dealers. Axel Müller (CDU) sharply criticized the planned rehabilitation of older cases and spoke of a “legal capitulation”.
Jörg Schneider (AfD) predicted a boom in the black market, especially since clubs could only deliver at the end of the year. The law is an “economic stimulus program for organized crime”.