Bundesrat approves legalization of cannabis in Germany on April 1

The legalization of cannabis in Germany will go ahead as planned on April 1, after lawmakers representing the various states in the Bundesrat refused to refer legislation to a mediation commission, This would have delayed the timetable by six months.

While the Bundestag has passed the legalization of cannabis last month, Supporters of the measure feared that the Federal Council would vote to recommend referral to a commission at a meeting on Friday.

But that didn't happen, which means that the law, which will make home possession and cultivation legal and allow Cannabis Social Clubs to distribute cannabis to their members, will come into force on April 1. Clubs will be able to open on July 1.

To avoid this delay, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who has been the government's lead on the cannabis plan for months, presented a «protocol statement» to the Federal Council ahead of the vote, aimed at addressing members' concerns on issues such as youth prevention, crop size reduction and zoning requirements for social clubs that could potentially distribute marijuana to adults.

Although the protocol declaration proposed by Mr. Lauterbach was not legally binding, the strategy ultimately worked, since the body clearly accepted the arrangement and did not vote in favor of mediation.

«The fight was worth it, cannabis legalization is coming on Easter Monday!» said Lauterbach in a social media post on Friday.

«We ask you to use this new opportunity responsibly and help protect children and young people. I hope this is the beginning of the end for the black market today.»

Der Kampf hat sich gelohnt, Legalisierung von Cannabis kommt schon Ostermontag! Bitte geht verantwortungsvoll mit der neuen Möglichkeit um, helft beim Schutz von Kindern und Jugendlichen. Für den Schwarzmarkt ist das heute hoffentlich der Anfang vom Ende https://t.co/BOaRoMUx6X

- Prof. Karl Lauterbach (@Karl_Lauterbach) March 22, 2024

ADVERTISING

What will legalized cannabis achieve in Germany?

Adults aged 18 and over will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis for their own consumption.

Consumption in public will be permitted, provided it is not in full view of children or near sports facilities. It will also be forbidden in pedestrian zones between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Adults will also be allowed to store up to 50 grams of cannabis at home, as well as three plants for home cultivation.

From July 1, Cannabis Social Clubs will be able to grow and buy cannabis on a limited basis. These clubs will have up to 500 members and will be reserved for German residents.

Cannabis will continue to be banned for minors.