Cannabis legalization | Legislation in Germany

Relaxation of the cannabis law

The forthcoming changes to German cannabis legislation signal a significant relaxation of the previous strict rules. According to the latest information from the Green Party, the permitted amount for home cultivation of cannabis will be doubled from the current 25 grams to 50 grams of dried product. This change reflects a significant step towards a more liberal drug policy.

Reduction of cannabis tobacco zones

Another important aspect of the new regulations is the reduction of the so-called taboo zones for cannabis consumption. The previous regulation, which prohibited consumption within a radius of 200 meters around daycare centers, playgrounds and schools, will be reduced to 100 meters. This adjustment could indicate that a more balanced approach is being taken to cannabis in the vicinity of educational institutions and childcare facilities.

Tightening of the penal provisions

Statements made by Kirsten Kappert-Gonther, a Green Party health politician, indicate that the penal provisions relating to cannabis possession will also be relaxed. While possession of more than 25 grams was previously considered a criminal offense, quantities between 25 and 30 grams in public areas and between 50 and 60 grams in private areas will now only be treated as an administrative offense. This change could mean less strict handling of minor violations of the possession limits.

Adjustment of the maximum fine limits

In a further step towards the liberalization of cannabis laws, the maximum fines for cannabis offences are to be reduced from 100,000 euros to 30,000 euros. This measure appears to be aimed at greater proportionality in the punishment of cannabis offenses.

Setting a THC limit in road traffic

An important aspect of the new regulations is the setting of a limit value for THC content in road traffic. Experts from the Federal Ministry of Transport are to submit a corresponding proposal by the end of March. THC, the main active ingredient in cannabis, is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of the plant.

Steps towards cannabis legalization

The legalization of cannabis is a central project of the traffic light coalition, as set out in the coalition agreement. The draft bill, which has been under discussion for some time, provides for cannabis to be removed from the list of prohibited substances in the Narcotics Act. Persons over the age of 18 should be entitled to possess a certain amount of cannabis. There are also plans to allow the private cultivation of up to three cannabis plants. In cannabis clubs, members will have the opportunity to grow the drug collectively and distribute it among themselves.

Timetable for the implementation of the cannabis laws

Although the original plan was for the new cannabis laws to come into force at the turn of the year, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) recently confirmed that this timetable cannot be adhered to. Instead, the aim is now for the regulations to come into force in the spring.

These comprehensive changes to cannabis legislation could represent a significant turning point in German drug policy and show a trend towards a more liberal and differentiated approach to cannabis.

We will stay tuned, because it remains exciting!