Drug policy of Germany
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The drug policy of Germany is considered to be one of the most lenient among European Union (EU) countries. Policies vary depending on the state.
History
[edit]In 1994, the Federal Constitutional Court ruled that drug addiction and the possession of small quantities of narcotics for personal use were not crimes. In 2000, the German law on narcotics (Betäubungsmittelgesetz) was changed to allow supervised injection rooms.[citation needed]
In 2002, a pilot project was started in seven German cities to evaluate the effects of heroin-assisted treatment on addicts, compared to methadone-assisted treatment. In 2009, the positive results of the study led to heroin-assisted treatment becoming included in mandatory health insurance.[citation needed]
As of November 2010, the youth organisation of Alliance 90/The Greens, namely the Green Youth, support the decriminalisation of those who consume drugs and the regulated sale of drugs via specialist stores along with drug education.[1]
In February 2021, authorities in Germany and Belgium seized more than 23 tonnes (23 long tons; 25 short tons) of cocaine, worth billions of euros, from shipments that originated in Paraguay and Panama. In an international operation that resulted in one arrest, a man from Vlaardingen, Netherlands, German and Belgian authorities seized the largest amount of cocaine in Europe.[2]
Cannabis policy
[edit]In 2017, Germany re-allowed medical cannabis. After the 2021 German federal election, the new government announced in their coalition agreement that they intend to legalise cannabis for all purposes (including recreational), and legislation to this effect was passed on 23 February 2024. The German cannabis control bill law went into effect on 1 April.
In March 2023, the health minister, Karl Lauterbach, reported a positive reaction from European Commission on the plan, and intended to bring a bill forward soon.[3]
The finalised bill received approval of the governing parties on 2 February 2024.[4][5] The Bundestag passed the bill on 23 February 2024, and the Bundesrat approved it on 22 March, with the national legalisation to follow by 1 April.[6][7] The final bill legislates that adults in Germany (those aged 18 and over) can legally use cannabis, possess and carry up to 25 grams (7⁄8 oz) of cannabis for personal possession in public and have up to 50 grams (1+3⁄4 oz) of dried cannabis at home.[8] The legislation states that adults have a maximum purchase limit of 25 grams of cannabis a day and a monthly maximum purchase limit of 50 grams of cannabis.[9] Each individual adult in Germany can also have up to three of their own cannabis plants at home.[10] From 1 July 2024, adult residents of Germany will be allowed to join adult-only non-profit cannabis social clubs in Germany, with a maximum membership of 500.[11] These cannabis social clubs will require permits.[12] Consumption of cannabis near schools, kindergartens, public playgrounds, sports facilities and "pedestrian zones in city centers between 7 am and 8 pm" will not be allowed.[13][8]See also
[edit]- Anti-tobacco movement in Nazi Germany
- Doping in East Germany
- Drug liberalization#Germany
- Drug policy of Nazi Germany
- Drugs controlled by the German Betäubungsmittelgesetz
- Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices
- List of German drug laws
References
[edit]- ^ "jung. grün. stachlig. – Drogenpolitik im Selbstverständnis und den Grundsätzen der GRÜNEN JUGEND". gruene-drogenpolitik.de. Grüne Drogenpolitik. 2 January 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
- ^ "Police in Germany and Belgium make Europe's biggest ever cocaine bust, worth billions of euros". CNN. 24 February 2021.
- ^ Gilchrist, Karen (22 March 2023). "'Cannabis in Germany will be a success story': Europe's biggest economy moves closer to weed legalization". CNBC.
- ^ "Germany to legalize cannabis as of April 1". Yahoo! News. Deutsche Presse-Agentur. 2 February 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ "Ampelfraktionen bei Cannabislegalisierung offenbar einig" [Traffic light coalition appears to agree on legalization of cannabis]. Der Spiegel (in German). 2 February 2024.
- ^ "Nach langem Ringen: Bundestag verabschiedet Cannabis-Legalisierung" [After a long struggle: the Bundestag passes cannabis legalization] (in German). Deutscher Bundestag. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
- ^ Hilsman, Patrick (March 22, 2024). "Germany legalizes recreational consumption of marijuana". UPI.
The German Bundesrat has legalized cannabis consumption, with some restrictions, starting in April
- ^ a b Thurau, Jens (23 February 2024). "Cannabis will be legal in Germany — within limits". Deutsche Welle (DW). Retrieved 28 February 2024.
- ^ Herrington, A.J. (27 February 2024). "German Lawmakers Vote To Legalize Cannabis". High Times. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
- ^ Scally, Derek (23 February 2024). "German MPs vote to legalise cannabis for personal use". The Irish Times. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
- ^ "Germany to vote on legalising cannabis but under strict regulations". ITV News. 23 February 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
- ^ "Will cannabis legalisation in Germany lead to a boom in sales?". The Local. 26 February 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
- ^ Moulson, Geir (23 February 2024). "Germany's parliament votes to legalize limited marijuana possession and allow 'cannabis clubs'". PBS NewsHour. Associated Press. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
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