Germany’s lower house of parliament has passed a landmark legislation legalizing cannabis for limited recreational use, a move that has sparked both praise and concern across the nation.
In a vote on Friday, 407 German lawmakers supported the new regulation, allowing adults to possess small amounts of cannabis for personal use.
The legislation, put forward by Germany’s ruling coalition party, permits adults to cultivate up to three plants for private consumption and possess 50g at home and 25g in public starting from April 1. Additionally, licensed not-for-profit clubs with a membership cap of 500 adults will be able to distribute cannabis from July 1.
While proponents argue that the measure will help curb the black market, reduce drug-related crime, and provide safer access for consumers, critics, including the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the German Medical Associations (GMA), have raised concerns about potential risks.
CDU lawmaker Tino Sorge criticized the legislation, stating, “Instead of protecting children and young people, the coalition is acting like a state drug dealer.”
The GMA President Klaus Reinhardt voiced apprehension, emphasizing the risks associated with cannabis use, including addiction and developmental damage. “The legalization of cannabis leads to more consumption and trivializes the associated risks,” Reinhardt stated.
However, Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach defended the legislation, highlighting its focus on child and youth protection. “Nobody should misunderstand this law: cannabis consumption is being legalized, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous,” Lauterbach affirmed.
The passage of the bill makes Germany the third country in Europe, after Malta and Luxembourg, to legalize recreational cannabis use, marking a significant shift in drug policy within the region.
