Germany legalises weed from 1 April
As of April 1st, Germany has legalised cannabis for people over the age of 18, bringing into effect new laws regarding personal possession.
Under the new regulations, adults in Germany are permitted to carry up to 25 grams of dried cannabis and cultivate a maximum of three marijuana plants at home.
This legislative change follows a contentious debate surrounding the advantages and disadvantages of facilitating easier access to the substance.
The government argues that decriminalising cannabis will disrupt the illicit market and diminish the circulation of contaminated cannabis. However, concerns have been raised regarding its potential impact on adolescents.
It remains illegal for individuals under the age of 18 to consume cannabis.
Germany weed legalization news – video
Germany is set to fully legalize cannabis and become the world's biggest legal weed market. pic.twitter.com/PZlJy3diTa
— DW News (@dwnews) April 9, 2022
The new law includes measures to protect minors, such as prohibiting the smoking of cannabis within 100 meters (328 feet) of schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, or sports centres.
Germany’s Health Minister, Karl Lauterbach, has pledged a significant campaign to educate young people about the health risks associated with cannabis and bolster prevention programs.
According to official data from 2021, 8.8% of German adults aged 18-64 reported consuming cannabis at least once in the preceding 12 months. Among individuals aged 12 to 17, this figure increased to nearly 10%.
The government has previously stated that many users rely on cannabis for medicinal purposes and expects that the new law will enhance the quality of cannabis consumed by a growing number of young people.
Observers worldwide will closely monitor the implementation of the law in Germany.