CANNABIS LEGAL IN GERMANY: ALL ABOUT THEIR RECENT LEGALISATION OF CANNABIS

Since this spring, weed has also been legal in Germany. Now. 'too'... Actually, the Germans are currently more progressive in their cannabis policy than we Dutch are. Because with us, cannabis is still not really legal, but soft drugs are tolerated. Legalising weed is quite a remarkable move by our eastern neighbours. After all, Germany is not exactly known for their positive attitude towards jonko's klappen. So that was not exactly something you could do leisurely in a park. Getting weed was also quite an adventure, literally knocking on strangers' doors in certain alleys and parks.

Until recently, that is, because now weed and hash is completely legal. Here we tell you everything you need to know about the legalisation of weed in Germany.

CanG: the new German cannabis law

The new cannabis law is called CanG in Germany, which is short for 'Cannabisgesetz'. In other words, Cannabis Act. This law means that from 1 April 2024, cannabis is legal.

However, there are a few conditions:

• You can have a maximum of 25 grams of cannabis in your pocket as a user in public places.
• You may have a maximum of 50 grams at home.
• Growing for personal use is allowed. This is subject to a maximum of three plants.
• Minors are not allowed to use or possess cannabis. Providing cannabis to someone under 18 is a criminal offence. You can even get a prison sentence for it.
• Blowing within a 100-metre radius of schools, playgrounds and sports clubs is not allowed.
• Smoking on the streets is only allowed after 20:00.

Where are the German coffee shops?

By the way, the new German cannabis law does prohibit the existence of coffee shops. So you cannot go to a clear point of sale at your leisure to get good weed like in our country. The only big difference from before is that now, as a user, you no longer have to blow in fear.

From 1 July 2024, this has changed slightly. Indeed, from then on, members of non-profit associations will be allowed to grow weed in groups; 'Cannabis Social Clubs'. Such an association may consist of up to 500 members (growers), who share the harvest with each other. Each month, as a member, you can get a maximum of 50 grams of cannabis. If you are under 21 years old, the monthly limit is 30 grams. Enough, it seems to us!

By the way, in a while there will be coffee shops in Germany, as part of the legalisation of cannabis. At least, that's the plan. What will throw a spanner in the works is European legislation. Because that prohibits the sale of soft drugs. Hence our Dutch tolerance policy, which chooses not to punish illegal sales. Like the Netherlands, the Germans now want to have more control over the production, distribution and sale of cannabis themselves. And like us, they are starting a kind of cannabis trial in a number of federal states and cities.

Why is cannabis now suddenly legal in Germany?

That Germans do like a jonko is obvious. One in ten Germans smokes regularly. That so many people literally became criminals because they wanted to smoke a joint became a bit too much for even the decent Germans. The police have better things to do there too than chase down recreational stoners. From 1 April this year, thanks to the new weed law, there is fortunately a bit more breathing space for the popo there. But also for the users themselves, of course.

Something else that weighed in on the legalisation of weed in Germany: the growth of the black market and the increased THC content in cannabis. Now that people are allowed to grow their own plants, that black market will hopefully be curbed.

The Netherlands versus Germany: which cannabis law is better?

With the list above, Germany seems a bit more progressive than the Netherlands. First, the Germans' cannabis trade is truly legal - in the Netherlands it is still not. We have a tolerance policy, with the government very actively looking away from soft-drug trade. The Dutch are also allowed to possess much less cannabis than the Germans: in our country, the permitted limit in terms of possession and sale per customer is 5 grams. We are, however, allowed to grow two more plants ourselves at home.

Soft drug policy in other countries

Besides the Netherlands and Germany, other European countries are experimenting with (partly) legalising cannabis. In Spain, Poland, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic, for instance, you don't have to worry if you grow some cannabis plants yourself. And in Malta, too, you can get your junkies at cannabis clubs.

Real big steps can't be made yet, as the EU is not so positive about cannabis sales. Still, the story of Germany's legalisation offers hope. Because if such a conservationist country can make such a step, things must work out! Besides: by now, there are quite a few countries worldwide where cannabis is legal - including countries you certainly wouldn't expect it from.