Drug policy of Germany

Overview of the drug policy of Germany

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]

Main article: Cannabis in Germany

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.

This section is an excerpt from Cannabis Act (Germany) § 2023 proposal.[edit]

In March 2023, the former 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 inside and in a radius of less of 100 m from the entrances of schools, kindergartens, public playgrounds, public sports facilities, as well as in presence of minors and, between 7 am and 8 pm, in pedestrian zones in city centers will not be allowed.[13][8][14]

## 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]

1. ^ "jung. grün. stachlig. – Drogenpolitik im Selbstverständnis und den Grundsätzen der GRÜNEN JUGEND". gruene-drogenpolitik.de. Grüne Drogenpolitik. 2 January 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
2. ^ "Police in Germany and Belgium make Europe's biggest ever cocaine bust, worth billions of euros". CNN. 24 February 2021.
3. ^ Gilchrist, Karen (22 March 2023). "'Cannabis in Germany will be a success story': Europe's biggest economy moves closer to weed legalization". CNBC.
4. ^ "Germany to legalize cannabis as of April 1". Yahoo! News. Deutsche Presse-Agentur. 2 February 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
5. ^ "Ampelfraktionen bei Cannabislegalisierung offenbar einig" [Traffic light coalition appears to agree on legalization of cannabis]. Der Spiegel (in German). 2 February 2024.
6. ^ "Nach langem Ringen: Bundestag verabschiedet Cannabis-Legalisierung" [After a long struggle: the Bundestag passes cannabis legalization] (in German). Deutscher Bundestag. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
7. ^ 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"
8. ^ a b Thurau, Jens (23 February 2024). "Cannabis will be legal in Germany — within limits". Deutsche Welle (DW). Retrieved 28 February 2024.
9. ^ Herrington, A.J. (27 February 2024). "German Lawmakers Vote To Legalize Cannabis". High Times. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
10. ^ Scally, Derek (23 February 2024). "German MPs vote to legalise cannabis for personal use". The Irish Times. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
11. ^ "Germany to vote on legalising cannabis but under strict regulations". ITV News. 23 February 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
12. ^ "Will cannabis legalisation in Germany lead to a boom in sales?". The Local. 26 February 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
13. ^ 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.
14. ^ publisher. "Bundesgesetzblatt Teil I - Gesetz zum kontrollierten Umgang mit Cannabis und zur Änderung weiterer Vorschriften - Bundesgesetzblatt". www.recht.bund.de (in German). Archived from the original on 2025-01-17. Retrieved 2025-04-19.

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Recreational drug use

Major recreational drugs

| Depressants|

* Barbiturates
* Benzodiazepines
* Carbamates
* Ethanol (alcohol)
* Alcoholic beverage
* Beer
* Wine
* Gabapentinoids
* GHB
* Inhalants
* Medical
* Nitrous oxide (recreational use)
* Hazardous solvents
* contact adhesives
* Gasoline
* nail polish remover
* Paint thinner
* Other
* Freon
* Kava
* Nonbenzodiazepines
* Quinazolinones
* Quaaludes

|

Opioids|

* Buprenorphine
* Suboxone
* Subutex
* Codeine
* Lean
* Desomorphine
* Krokodil
* Dextropropoxyphene
* Darvocet
* Darvon
* Fentanyl
* Diamorphine
* Heroin
* Hydrocodone
* Hydromorphone
* Dilaudid
* Methadone
* Mitragyna speciosa
* Kratom
* Morphine
* Opium
* Oxycodone
* /paracetamol
* Tramadol

Stimulants|

* Amphetamine
* Arecoline
* Areca
* Betel
* Caffeine
* Coffee
* Energy drinks
* Tea
* Cathinone
* Khat
* Cocaine
* Coca
* Cocaine paste
* Crack
* Ephedrine
* Ephedra
* MDPV
* Mephedrone
* Methamphetamine
* Methylone
* Methylphenidate
* Modafinil
* Nicotine
* Polacrilex
* Salt
* Tobacco
* Theobromine
* Cocoa
* Chocolate

Entactogens|

* 2C series
* 6-APB
* Benzofury
* AMT
* MDA
* MDMA
* Ecstasy
* Molly

Hallucinogens|

| Psychedelics|

* 2C-B
* 25I-NBOMe
* 4-AcO-DMT
* 5-MeO-DMT
* Psychoactive toads
* Bufotenin
* Vilca
* Yopo
* DMT
* Ayahuasca
* LSA and iso-LSA
* Morning glory
* Ergot
* LSD
* Mescaline
* Peruvian torch
* Peyote
* San Pedro
* Psilocybin and psilocin
* Psilocybin mushrooms

|

Dissociatives|

* DXM (recreational use)
* Inhalants
* Nitrous oxide (recreational use)
* Ketamine
* MXE
* PCP

Deliriants|

* Atropine and Scopolamine
* Atropa belladonna
* Datura
* Hyoscyamus niger
* Mandragora officinarum
* Dimenhydrinate
* Diphenhydramine

Cannabinoids|

* THC
* Cannabis (Marijuana)
* Hashish
* Hash oil
* Synthetic cannabinoids
* JWH-018
* APICA
* APINACA
* Spice

Others|

* Ibogaine
* Tabernanthe iboga
* Muscimol
* Amanita muscaria
* Oneirogens
* Calea zacatechichi
* Silene capensis
* Salvinorin A
* Salvia divinorum

Drug culture

| Cannabis culture|

* 420
* Cannabis consumption
* Cannabis cultivation
* Cannabis edible
* Cannabis rights
* Cannabis rights leaders
* List of cannabis rights organizations
* Cannabis smoking
* Cannabis Social Club
* Cannabis tea
* Cannabis vaping
* Head shop
* Legal history of cannabis in the United States
* Legality of cannabis
* Marijuana Policy Project
* Medical cannabis
* NORML
* Cannabis and religion
* Stoner film

|

Coffee culture|

* Coffee break
* Coffeehouse
* Latte art
* Teahouse

Drinking culture|

* Bartending
* Beer culture
* Beer festival
* Binge drinking
* Diethyl ether
* Drinking games
* Drinking song
* Happy hour
* Hip flask
* Nightclub
* Oktoberfest
* Pub
* Pub crawl
* Sommelier
* Sports bar
* Tailgate party
* Wine bar
* Wine tasting

Psychedelia|

* Psychonautics
* Art
* Drug
* Era
* Experience
* Literature
* Music
* Microdosing
* Smart shop
* Therapy
* Trip report

Smoking culture|

* Cigarette card
* Fashion cigarettes
* Cloud-chasing
* Loosie
* Smokeasy
* Smoking fetishism
* Tobacco smoking

Other|

* Chasing the dragon
* Club drug
* Counterculture of the 1960s
* Dance party
* Drug paraphernalia
* Drug tourism
* Entheogen
* Hippie
* Needle sharing
* Nootropic
* Party and play
* Poly drug use
* Rave
* Religion and drugs
* Self-medication
* Sex and drugs
* Urban legends about drugs
* Whoonga

Legality of drug use

| International|

* International drug control conventions
* 1961 Narcotic Drugs
* 1971 Psychotropic Substances
* 1988 Drug Trafficking
* Other treaties addressing drugs
* Law of the Sea Convention
* Convention Against Doping
* Council of the European Union decisions on designer drugs

|

State level|

* Drug policy
* Decriminalization
* Legalization
* Prohibition
* Regulation
* Supply reduction
* Policy reform
* Demand reduction
* Drug Policy Alliance
* Harm reduction
* Law Enforcement Action Partnership
* Liberalization
* Latin America
* Students for Sensible Drug Policy

Drug policy
by country|

* Australia
* Canada
* China
* Czech Republic
* Germany
* India
* Laos
* Netherlands
* Philippines
* Poland
* Portugal
* Romania
* Slovakia
* South Korea
* Soviet Union
* Sweden
* Switzerland
* United States
* Just Say No
* Office of National Drug Control Policy
* School district drug policies
* California
* Colorado
* Maryland
* Oregon
* Virginia
* United Kingdom

Drug legality|

* Alcohol legality
* Anabolic steroid legality
* Cannabis legality
* Cocaine legality
* Methamphetamine legality
* Psilocybin decriminalization in the U.S.
* Psilocybin mushrooms legality
* Salvia legality

Other|

* Arguments for and against drug prohibition
* Cannabis rights
* Capital punishment for drug trafficking
* Cognitive liberty
* Designer drug
* Drug court
* Drug possession
* Drug test
* Narc
* Politics of drug abuse
* War on drugs
* Mexican drug war
* Plan Colombia
* Philippine drug war
* Zero tolerance

Other

| Drug
production
and trade|

| Drug
production|

* Coca production in Colombia
* Drug precursors
* Opium production in Afghanistan
* Rolling meth lab

|

Drug trade|

* Illegal drug trade
* Afghanistan
* Aruba
* Australia
* Bangladesh
* Belize
* Benin
* Bhutan
* Bolivia
* Brazil
* Burma
* Cambodia
* Chile
* China
* Colombia
* Costa Rica
* Cuba
* Cyprus
* Dominican Republic
* El Salvador
* Estonia
* Finland
* Germany
* Haiti
* Honduras
* India
* Indian Ocean region
* Iran
* Italy
* Japan
* Kenya
* Kosovo
* Kyrgyzstan
* Laos
* Latin America
* Latvia
* Malaysia
* Mauritius
* Moldova
* Nigeria
* Norway
* Oman
* Panama
* Papua New Guinea
* Paraguay
* Philippines
* Poland
* Portugal
* Puerto Rico
* Russia
* Saint Kitts and Nevis
* Seychelles
* Slovakia
* South Africa
* South Korea
* Spain
* Suriname
* Switzerland
* Taiwan
* Thailand
* Turkey
* Turks and Caicos Islands
* United Arab Emirates
* United States
* Venezuela
* Darknet market
* Pharmaceutical distribution
* Beer shop
* Cannabis shop
* Liquor store
* Liquor license

Issues with
drug use|

* Abuse
* Addiction
* Date rape drug
* Dependence
* Driving impaired
* Drug harmfulness
* Effects of cannabis
* Drug-related crime
* Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
* Long-term effects of cannabis
* Neurotoxicity
* Overdose
* Passive smoking
* of tobacco or other substances

Harm reduction|

* Drug checking
* Drug legalization
* Drug rehabilitation
* Needle and syringe programmes
* Opioid replacement therapy
* Pharmacovigilance
* Reagent testing
* Regulation of therapeutic goods
* Responsible drug use
* Substance abuse prevention
* Supervised injection site
* Trip killer

Countries by
drug use|

* Alcohol consumption
* Cocaine use
* Cannabis
* Annual use
* Lifetime use
* Opiates use
* Tobacco consumption

* v
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* e

Drug laws, policies, and regulations

Aspects|

* Amnesty bin
* Drug checking
* Drug education
* Drug policy
* Drug prohibition
* Harm reduction
* Drug liberalization
* Latin America
* Get Your Drugs Tested
* Needle and syringe programmes
* Reagent testing
* Regulation of therapeutic goods
* Supervised injection site
* War on drugs

International law|

* Drug control treaties
* 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs
* changes in cannabis scheduling
* 1971 Vienna Convention on Psychotropic Substances
* 1988 UN Convention on Illicit Trafficking
* Other treaties addressing drugs
* Law of the Sea Convention
* Convention Against Doping
* Convention on the Rights of the Child

By country|

| Africa|

* Nigeria

|

Asia|

* Bangladesh
* China
* India
* Laos
* Philippines
* South Korea

Europe|

* Cannabis in Malta
* Czech Republic
* Germany
* Netherlands
* Poland
* Portugal
* Romania
* Slovakia
* Soviet Union
* Sweden
* United Kingdom

North America|

* Canada (cannabis)
* United States (alcohol, cannabis, harm reduction, psilocybin)
* Mexico (cannabis)

Listings by country|

* Drug and precursor laws by country or territory
* Alcohol (absinthe, consumption, moonshine)
* Anabolic steroid
* Areca nut
* Ayahuasca
* Benzodiazepine
* Caffeine
* Cannabis
* Cocaine
* DMT
* Ibogaine
* Kava
* Khat
* LSD
* MDMA
* Mephedrone
* MDPV
* Methylone
* Methamphetamine
* Mitragyna speciosa (also known as kratom)
* Opium
* Psilocybin
* Psychoactive Amanita
* Psychoactive cacti
* Salvia divinorum
* Tobacco

* v
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* e

Germany articles

General
History|

| Overviews|

* History of Germany
* Timeline
* Historiography
* Military history

|

Ancient|

* Germanic peoples
* Migration Period
* List of early Germanic peoples
* Goths
* Teutons
* Visigoths
* History of the Huns
* Chronology of warfare between the Romans and Germanic peoples
* Cimbrian War
* Roman campaigns in Germania (12 BC – AD 16)
* Marcomannic Wars
* Gothic Wars
* Sack of Rome (410)

Middle Ages|

* Frankish Empire
* Treaty of Verdun
* East Francia
* Carolingian Empire
* Carolingian dynasty
* Holy Roman Empire
* Ostsiedlung (East Colonisation)

Modern|

* Early modern period, 1500–1800
* 18th-century
* Confederation of the Rhine
* German revolutions of 1848–1849
* German Confederation
* Frankfurt Constitution
* North German Confederation
* Unification of Germany
* German Empire
* World War I
* War guilt question
* Revolution of 1918
* Weimar Republic
* Nazi Germany
* World War II
* Allied occupation
* Flight and expulsions
* Denazification
* Divided Germany
* East Germany
* West Germany

Contemporary|

* Reunification
* History of Germany since 1990

Regions|

* History of Prussia
* History of Brandenburg
* Cologne War, 1583–1588
* Baden Revolution, 1848

Geography|

* Administrative divisions
* States
* Districts
* Cities and towns
* Earthquakes
* Geology
* Islands
* Lakes
* Mountains
* Rivers

Politics|

* Bundestag
* Bundesrat
* Bundeswehr (military)
* Chancellor
* Constitution
* Court system
* Elections
* Federal Government
* Foreign relations
* Human rights
* Intersex
* LGBT
* Transgender
* Law
* Law enforcement
* Lobbying
* Conservatism
* Nationalism
* Political parties
* President

Economy|

* Agriculture
* Automobile industry
* Banking
* Central bank
* Chemical Triangle
* Economic history
* Energy
* Exports
* German model
* German states by GDP
* Mittelstand companies
* Science and technology
* Stock exchange
* Taxation
* Telecommunications
* Tourism
* Trade unions
* Transport
* Rail
* Welfare
* Women

Society|

* Censorship
* Crime
* Corruption
* Demographics
* Drug policy
* Education
* Germans
* Ethnic groups
* Women
* Healthcare
* Homelessness
* Immigration
* Irreligion
* Life expectancy
* Naturism
* Pensions
* Pornography
* Poverty
* Prostitution
* Racism
* Religion
* Social issues
* Trade unions

Culture|

* Anthem
* Architecture
* Art
* Arts
* Cinema
* Coat of arms
* Cuisine
* Cultural icons
* Dance
* Fashion
* Festivals
* Folklore
* Flag
* Language
* Libraries
* Literature
* Internet
* Media
* Music
* Names
* Philosophy
* Prussian virtues
* Sport
* Television
* World Heritage Sites

* Outline
* Index
* Bibliography

* Category
* Portal

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