Germany's Federal Cabinet has passed the so-called cannabis law, proposed by the country's Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, meaning restricted consumption of the drug will soon become legal.
The Cabinet approved the draft law on Wednesday to remove cannabis from the list of prohibited substances in the narcotics law. Possession of 25 grams will be allowed from the age of 18, and a maximum of three cannabis plants may be grown privately. German residents who are 18 and older can join non-profit 'cannabis clubs' with a maximum of 500 members each, where cannabis can be grown for members' personal consumption.
"The Cannabis Act marks a turning point in an unfortunately failed cannabis drug policy," said Lauterbach. He argued that, although the drug was illegal in the country, it was a widespread stimulant and has greatly impacted public health. Cannabis endangers teenagers' and young adults' health more severely as it is "particularly harmful to the still-growing brain."
He stressed that goods are often contaminated on the black market, creating additional health risks. "We cannot accept this any longer. That is why we are daring to allow the controlled distribution of cannabis to adults within clear limits and push back the black market, flanked by prevention measures for young people."
Education campaign
The passing of the law may seem like a free-for-all for the drug market in the country. Even before the law was passed, it was widely criticised by opposition Christian Democrats and associations from the judicial, police and health sectors, who warned of health risks for young people and additional burdens for police and courts.
However, the Federal Cabinet stressed that the central aim is to improve health protection (particularly for children and young people) intensify risk education, strengthen preventive measures and curb the illegal market for cannabis.
"No one should misunderstand the law. Cannabis use will be legalised, but it is still very dangerous," Lauterbach said. Under the new law, consumption remains prohibited for young people.
To prevent adolescents from using it regardless, an information campaign is being launched via social media channels. "The campaign is based on the apparent contradiction between legalisation and the risks associated with the use of cannabis. The central element will therefore be 'Legal, but...'," a press statement explained.
There will be a general ban on advertising and sponsoring cannabis, and it will also be banned near schools, children's and youth facilities, children's playgrounds as well as in publicly accessible sports facilities.
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The Federal Cabinet also defends the plan on the grounds that it will curb the black market and organised crime by decriminalising personal use. "In this way, we are taking away the business basis of the dealer on the street corner and are creating safe, controlled and legal access to cannabis for adults with the cannabis clubs."
Following the cabinet decision, the law still needs to be approved by the Bundestag and Bundesrat. The Health Ministry expects the law to come into force by the end of this year.
