The federal states have cleared the way for the legalization of cannabis. On Friday in Berlin, the Federal Council approved the cannabis law, which has been controversial until recently. The traffic light coalition’s law allows adults to consume and, in limited quantities, possess and grow the drug. It can come into force as planned on April 1st.
With partial legalization, the traffic light coalition wants to initiate a change in drug policy. In the future, adults aged 18 and over will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis for their own consumption and store up to 50 grams at home. The following are permitted: three plants for home cultivation and, from July onwards, cannabis clubs for cultivation and limited purchase of the drug. Public consumption is legal to a limited extent; it is not permitted within sight of children’s and youth facilities or sports facilities. Smoking weed is allowed in pedestrian zones from 8 p.m. Cannabis remains prohibited for minors.
Federal states doubt whether the law can be implemented in practice
Until recently, there were numerous concerns from the federal states. They must implement the new rules, monitor compliance and implement an amnesty for cannabis offenses that are no longer punishable under the new law. Union politicians in particular have criticized the project for months, often citing health effects on young people. Among other things, concerns were raised from the federal states about the judiciary being overloaded due to case reviews and an increase in crime. There were also concerns about the practical feasibility of the planned law.
It was unclear, as Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) said before the vote, how it should be checked how many plants someone has in their living room at home, or whether the distance regulations from schools and kindergartens are adhered to when consuming. Shortly before the vote in the Bundesrat, it was unclear whether the law could be referred to the mediation committee with the votes of Union-led states and thus thwarted.
However, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) was recently confident. He had approached the states and addressed concerns. In a statement, the government pledged, among other things, more support for prevention and education. Lauterbach also promised some subsequent changes to the law, for example for more flexible implementation rules. The federal government also reiterated in the statement that a planned amnesty for cases that are supposed to be legal in the future is necessary for reasons of justice.