As of April 1, 2024, Germany turned a new leaf in its approach to cannabis by legalizing its recreational use for adults.

This puts Germany on the map with Malta and Luxembourg, other European countries that have already taken the plunge into recreational legalization.

Under the new law, termed “Cannabisgesetz” or the “Cannabis Law,” adults aged 18 and over are permitted to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis in public and up to 50 grams at home, while those between 18 and 21 years can only possess 30 grams.

Adults can cultivate up to three cannabis plants per household for personal use.

Starting July 1st, 2024, Germany will also start seeing non-profit cannabis clubs with up to 500 members each. Members can buy up to 50 grams each month, but they’ll have to smoke it elsewhere—club premises are no-smoking zones.

These clubs and the permission for home-growing aim to kneecap the black market and offer a safer, regulated way to access cannabis.

The government also plans to turn on the green light for commercial cannabis sales following a second-phase shift once the European Union (EU) approves.

The law also puts a hard no on smoking near schools, playgrounds, and other public spots, keeping young people and public spaces in mind.

The German government has articulated clear objectives with the introduction of this law: to dismantle the black market for cannabis and to safeguard young individuals from unregulated access to the drug.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has been a vocal proponent of the legislation, highlighting the need to protect consumers from contaminated cannabis and to sever revenue streams for organized crime groups.

The legislation faced significant hurdles due to EU law constraints, which led to its more gradual phase-out.

The law has sparked debate among political parties, with opposition from the CDU/CSU and AfD parties, who argue that the law could lead to increased drug use among young people.

Despite their concerns, the ruling coalition and the Left Party stood by the law, arguing that the old ways just weren’t cutting it.

Germany is keeping a close eye on its new cannabis policy to see what tweaks might be needed moving forward.

Currently, plans for licensed sales outlets are on hold because of EU worries about potential drug trafficking. Germany’s position in the EU single market, with open borders, raises concerns that traffickers might exploit these routes to transport cannabis more easily across Europe.

Nevertheless, Germany’s approach, which prioritizes public health and safety over criminal penalties, could inspire other countries where cannabis remains illegal to consider similar legalization efforts.