- Germany to legalize home cannabis cultivation, decriminalize possession
- Strict security in Dresden facility for medical cannabis cultivation
- New law allows possession, cultivation with restrictions, amid mixed opinions
Currently categorised as a narcotic in Germany, this classification is set to change in April.
Security is rigorous in a large grey facility located just outside Dresden’s East German capital.
The brilliant white corridors are enclosed by the same imposing metal door that once fortified Germany’s gold reserves.
Behind it, Demecan cultivates medical cannabis, which was made legal in 2017.
By German legislation, the substance is categorised as a narcotic, hence the stringent security.
A new law, however, will decriminalise possession and home cultivation beginning on April 1. Dr. Philipp Goebel, managing director, intends to capitalise on this development.
He stated that the passage of this law was extremely excellent news for us.
We are now authorised to cultivate additional cannabis, which we will subsequently offer for direct sale to pharmacies.
Furthermore, cannabis has been declassified, a development that is of grave concern to patients.
It is no longer classified as a narcotic, meaning that any physician can prescribe it.
Adults will be permitted to possess a maximum of 25g of the drug in public, retain 50g at home, and cultivate a maximum of three plants under the new law.
Beginning in July, private “cannabis clubs” will have a limited capacity of 500 members.
Steffen Geyer, the head of the Association of Cannabis Social Clubs and a longtime cannabis activist, stated, “It’s not the law we expected, but it’s a good law because there will be 180,000 fewer prosecutions in the coming year.”
“That will be a tremendous relief for cannabis consumers,” he continued.
“Carrying 25 grammes of cannabis does not subject you to apprehension or complications with the police.”
“Consumers of cannabis will occupy a new position in our society.”
“Therefore, we shall cease to be the outcasts of the recreational community.”
We will be identical to those who consume chocolate, coffee, tea, or alcohol.
However, restrictions apply.
For example, smoking is prohibited in areas such as sports centres and playgrounds, and individuals must be at least 18 years old.
The potency of the psychoactive substance THC, which induces intoxication, will also be restricted, particularly for those under the age of 21.
To prevent “drug tourism,” cannabis for recreational use will only be available for cultivation at home or through “cannabis clubs.”
In both instances, a minimum of six months of residency in Germany is required.
It has been a significant struggle to get the new law passed.
Opponents assert it disregards health risks, particularly for young people, despite the government’s assertions that it will aid in combating drug crime, regulating the underground market, and guaranteeing a high-quality product.
The justice system, the police, and local government are currently expressing a great deal of disapproval due to the inadequate enforcement of the new law,” said Erwin Rüddel, chairman of the parliamentary health committee and an opposition Christian Democratic Union politician.
There are concerns regarding the impact of cannabis use on the mental well-being of individuals below the age of 25, as well as the challenge of regulating the quantity of cannabis in one’s possession—whether it be 25 grammes or 30 grammes.
Controlling ‘cannabis societies’ and verifying that an individual is cultivating no more than three plants indoors presents a further difficulty.
Should his party resurrect itself in power the following year, it has solemnly committed to repeal the law.
A recent survey revealed that the public is similarly divided, with a narrow majority opposed to it.
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42% of respondents to a YouGov survey were either somewhat or completely in favour of legalisation, whereas 47% were either somewhat or completely opposed.
An additional 11% still need to respond.
“I believe it is negative due to the youth.” “It is hazardous,” a male Berliner shopper informed us.
However, one woman we spoke with stated, “I believe it to be a positive development. “They can now guarantee its quality, and the state can now collect the tax on it.”
Proponents intend to “smoke in” at the Brandenburg Gate in observance of the new legislation.
People have been invited to assemble in public to smoke marijuana since 11:30 pm (10:30 pm UK time) on Sunday, but only until the law goes into effect, according to the German press agency DPA.
Notwithstanding some apprehensions, this constitutes merely the initial phase of a dual-pronged strategy.
If effective, it might establish a precedent for pilot initiatives that permit the sale of cannabis under state control in select licenced establishments.
