German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's controversial but flagship project – the partial legalisation of cannabis for recreational use – becomes effective in Germany today. Procuring the drug legally is not straightforward, however.
Today (1 April) marks the first stage of the cannabis reform in Germany: adults are now permitted to carry 25 grams of dried cannabis in public areas and may cultivate up to three plants at home, totalling up to 50 grams of dried cannabis.
However, smoking anywhere is not allowed – it is prohibited within a 100-metre radius of schools, nurseries, playgrounds and public sports facilities. In pedestrian zones, it is completely forbidden between 07:00 and 20:00.
Cannabis clubs
It will be a few months before adults can legally obtain the drug through 'cannabis clubs' – non-profit associations which can be formed from 1 July after navigating a complex administrative process. Based in Germany and under the jurisdiction of regional authorities, membership is restricted to 500 individuals, and they can distribute a maximum of 50 grams per month per member.
Adults under 21 can have 30 grams of cannabis, with THC content not exceeding 10%. Membership with multiple associations simultaneously is strictly prohibited and neither is gathering or consuming within these 'clubs'.
As it stands, retail sale of cannabis isn't expected in Germany, thereby discarding the idea of specialist stores or 'coffee shops' as originally proposed and as seen in the Netherlands. Legal access requires at least six-month residence in the country and self-cultivation or cultivation through a club.
This measure could mitigate the purported threat of a "drug tourist" influx levied by the law's detractors, particularly the conservative opposition parties CDU/CSU. In a later phase, without a set timeline, the government plans to test sales in pharmacies or state-licensed stores in pilot regions yet to be determined.
