Last week, the Bundestag voted in favor of a law to legalize cannabis with an overwhelming majority. This decision marks a significant step, as cannabis can now be carried and consumed legally under certain conditions. The legalization follows a two-pillar principle, with only the first pillar having been approved by the Bundestag so far. Once the Federal Council also agrees, the law comes into force.
The goals of the Cannabis Legalization Act (CanG.) include the displacement of the black market and improved child and youth protection. The black market, which often contaminates the grass with synthetic cannabinoids or toxic substances such as Brix, should no longer stand a chance in Germany. Instead, consumers should be able to fall back on quality-tested and safe cannabis.
Legal procurement
Although legalization is supposed to take effect from April 1, the cultivation clubs will not open their doors until July 1. Members of a club may acquire up to 50 grams of cannabis per month if they are registered there. It is not allowed to be a member of several clubs.
Furthermore, every adult is allowed to grow up to three flowering, female cannabis plants at home and store up to 50 grams of cannabis. But what about the occasional users who are not interested in self-cultivation or club membership?
Until the implementation of the second pillar of the law, this group has no other option than visiting cannabis clubs or self-cultivation. Because selling or passing on cannabis among friends and acquaintances remains punishable. The second pillar originally planned to trial the sale in state-licensed stores in pilot regions. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach plans to introduce a further draft law for this.
Last year, several cities, including Tübingen, Leipzig, Schwerin, Bremen, Hanover, Bonn, Darmstadt, Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, Offenbach, and Munich already expressed interest in applying as a model region. Until the implementation of this project, however, clubs and self-cultivation remain the only legal options for acquiring Cannabis, that is not used as a medication.