Germany is poised for a historic shift in its approach to cannabis. While currently classified as a narcotic, the drug is set to be decriminalized from April 2024 onwards. This significant change will allow adults to possess and cultivate cannabis for personal use, marking a victory for cannabis rights activists and medical patients alike.
Demecan, a leading medical cannabis producer based near Dresden, exemplifies the potential of this new era. The company, operating under tight security due to the drug’s current narcotic status, is preparing to expand its operations. Dr. Philipp Goebel, Demecan’s managing director, sees the reform as a positive development. “This law allows us to grow more cannabis, sell directly to pharmacies, and most importantly for patients, removes cannabis from the narcotics classification, enabling easier prescription by doctors,” he remarks.
The new law will usher in a wave of changes. Adults will be permitted to possess up to 25 grams in public and cultivate a maximum of three cannabis plants at home.
Additionally, a pilot program launching in July will allow “cannabis clubs” to supply a limited amount of cannabis to a maximum of 500 members each.
Steffen Geyer, a prominent cannabis activist and head of the Cannabis Social Clubs association, acknowledges that the law may not be perfect, but views it as a significant step forward. “While not everything we envisioned, it’s a good law that will eliminate roughly 180,000 cannabis-related prosecutions annually,” he highlights. Geyer emphasizes the social impact, stating, “Cannabis users will no longer be ostracized. We’ll be treated similarly to those who consume alcohol or caffeine.”
However, the legislation comes with limitations. Public consumption will be restricted near areas frequented by children, and THC content, the psychoactive component responsible for the “high,” will be capped, particularly for users under 21. To prevent “drug tourism,” recreational cannabis will only be accessible through home cultivation or membership in a cannabis club, with a minimum six-month residency requirement in Germany.
The path to legalization wasn’t smooth. The government aims to curb the black market, reduce drug-related crime, and ensure a safe, regulated product. Opponents, however, raise concerns about potential health risks, especially for young people. Erwin Rüddel, a politician representing the opposition party and head of the parliamentary health committee, expresses these anxieties. “The law’s enforceability worries the justice system, police, and local authorities. We have concerns regarding the impact of cannabis use on mental health in young adults, the difficulty in accurately determining possession quantities, and the regulation of cannabis clubs and home cultivation.” His party has vowed to overturn the law if elected in the coming year.
Public opinion also remains divided. A recent poll revealed a slight majority against legalization, with 47% opposing it and 42% somewhat or fully in favor. Despite these reservations, supporters plan to celebrate the new law with a public cannabis smoking event at the Brandenburg Gate.
This initial step represents the first phase of a two-part plan. If successful, it could pave the way for state-controlled cannabis sales in licensed shops through pilot projects. Germany’s cannabis reform is a bold experiment, and the coming years will be crucial in determining its long-term impact on public health, societal attitudes, and the legal cannabis market.
