Scenes of joy celebrate the legalization of cannabis in Germany. What's next?

At midnight on Easter Monday, around 1,500 people gathered outside Berlin's imposing Brandenburg Gate to celebrate the entry into force of Germany's legalization of cannabis consumption for adults.

Over a thousand people gathered in Berlin to smoke weed, - Spiegel

Around 1,500 people celebrated legalize at the Brandenburg Gate at midnight, ostentatiously lighting joints and dancing to reggae music, according to police.#Germany #EU pic.twitter.com/8DZ0PfzMnl

- Chronology (@Chronology22) April 2, 2024

From April 1, 2024, German adults aged 18 and over are now allowed to legally possess and consume cannabis, as well as grow three plants at home.

Next July, Cannabis Clubs will be able to accommodate up to 500 members who share the club's harvest. These clubs are subject to strict limits: consumption on the premises is not permitted, members can only belong to one club at a time, and only German residents can be members.

A monthly distribution limit of 50 grams per member will apply, or 30 grams for people under 21.

If the regulatory model chosen by the German government is not yet commercialized, market opportunities lie in the medical cannabis sector. Doctors will no longer need a narcotics prescription to prescribe cannabis, simplifying access to the drug.

«The German reform brings significant advances in patient access to medical cannabis and a liberal approach to cannabis that we need,» said Dirk Heitepriem, Head of External Affairs at Aurora Europe, in a statement.

«With the downgrading of cannabis, more patients have access to treatment, reinforcing our commitment to patient awareness and full access to quality medical cannabis. Today's improved access underscores our commitment to progressive change.».

Germany has stated that it intends to pursue a «second pillar» of legalization, focusing on regional pilot projects with commercial supply chains. However, it is unclear whether the German government has the time and political capital to realize this second pillar before the next elections, scheduled for October 2025.

Cannabis pilot programs have become a popular approach to reform in Europe. The Netherlands and Switzerland, for example, have set up pilot programs for adult use. This approach allows some municipalities to closely monitor supply and sales, and collect data along the way. Malta was the first country in Europe to legalize cannabis for adults, opting for a regulatory model centered around Cannabis Clubs, but regulators have made it clear that they have no intention of allowing a «commercialized market».

Canada and Uruguay are the only countries where cannabis is totally legal for adults, with authorized cultivation and sales. Germany is the second only to Canada in the G7 to legalize and regulate the use of cannabis for adults on a national scale and the 3rd in Europe after Malta and the Luxembourg.