The German government has passed a significant reform to liberalize rules on cannabis, with the final parliamentary hurdle cleared on Friday. This move will lead to the decriminalization of possessing limited amounts of marijuana starting on April 1.
As part of the legislation, 'cannabis clubs' will be established to cultivate the substance for personal use by members, with operations set to commence on July 1.
Championed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government, the bill was initially approved by the lower house of parliament last month. Concerns arose regarding its fate in the upper house, where Scholz's socially liberal coalition lacks a majority representing Germany's 16 state governments.
Despite potential opposition, the upper house did not delay the bill by sending it to a mediating committee, as opponents failed to gather enough support to halt the project entirely.
Under the new legislation, adults will be permitted to possess nearly 1 ounce of marijuana for recreational use and grow up to three plants individually, effective April 1. Additionally, German residents aged 18 and above can join nonprofit 'cannabis clubs' with a maximum of 500 members each, starting July 1.
Members will be allowed to purchase up to 25 grams per day or a maximum of 50 grams per month, with a reduced limit of 30 grams for individuals under 21. The clubs' operational costs will be sustained by membership fees, which will vary based on members' marijuana consumption.
Furthermore, the legislation includes an amnesty provision to review and potentially reverse sentences for cannabis-related offenses that will no longer be considered illegal. Regional authorities have expressed concerns about the potential burden on the judicial system due to the anticipated volume of cases.
Opposition leader Friedrich Merz has indicated intentions to reverse the legislation if his party emerges victorious in the national elections anticipated for the fall of 2025.
