Germany partially legalises marijuana, allowing personal use, home cultivation for citizens; no plans for weed tourism
- From today in Germany, it is legal to possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis for personal use and to grow up to three plants at home
- The legalisation only applies to German citizens, and smoking cannabis will still be illegal near schools, kindergartens, sports facilities and in other areas
A German law that partially legalises cannabis comes into effect today, implementing a flagship pledge of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government. However, access to the drug will not be straightforward.
From April 1, it will be legal to carry up to 25 grams (0.88oz) of dried cannabis for personal use – enough to roll around 80 average joints. Home cultivation will also be allowed, with a limit of up to three plants per adult and 50 grams of dried cannabis.
However, it will remain prohibited to smoke the drug within 100 metres (328 yards) of schools, kindergartens, playgrounds and public sports facilities. Smoking will also be banned in pedestrian zones between 7am and 8pm.
From July 1, Germany is planning to set up regulated cannabis cultivation associations to enable people to obtain the drug legally. These so-called cannabis clubs will have up to 500 members each and will be able to sell a maximum of 50 grams of dried cannabis per month to each member.
Adults under 21 will be limited to a monthly 30 grams of cannabis containing no more than 10 per cent of the psychoactive substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Consuming cannabis at the clubs will not be allowed and membership will be limited to one club at a time.