Germany to Legalize Marijuana: Theory or Practice?
In 2024, Germany could become the first major European country to legalize recreational cannabis use. However, theoretical permission doesn't necessarily translate to practical freedom to light up a joint. Smoking marijuana in public places will remain prohibited in the most popular areas due to conflicting regulations, as reported by BigThink.
The proposed legislation presented by the Federal Cabinet suggests removing cannabis from Germany's list of prohibited substances under drug laws. Adults aged 18 and over would be allowed to possess up to 25 grams, and they can grow no more than three plants for personal use. Cannabis clubs would be permitted to cultivate the drug collectively and distribute it among members, with a maximum of 50 grams per member per month.
The reason behind such a law change is the failure of the prohibition policy, as more and more people continue to use marijuana. "If smoking marijuana in public places remains taboo in many areas to protect children, it would be easier to ban it altogether on the streets and recognize that legalization is only half-hearted," says Simon Kenigsdorf, editor of Stuttgarter-Nachrichten.
On the other hand, opponents of the legalization law fear the normalization of drug use, lowering inhibitions, even among the youth, and highlight the danger of cannabis consumption for immature teenage brains.
In Germany, in the first quarter of this year, 99,000 prescriptions for medical cannabis were issued, amounting to $55.6 million in insurance reimbursements.
Demands for cannabis legalization are increasing across Europe, reflecting progressive steps taken by Canada and some U.S. regions in approving its use. While some European countries have sanctioned the use of marijuana for medical purposes, the region traditionally maintains a cautious stance on recreational cannabis. There is concern that the legalization of the substance in one country may have adverse effects on neighbouring countries that oppose such actions.
For example, the Netherlands will officially launch a pilot program to legalize the sale of cannabis for adults in December. The program aims to evaluate whether coffee shops in participating municipalities will receive permits for legal cannabis sales.