Cannabis in Germany

Dronabinol was rescheduled in 1994 from annex I to annex II of the Narcotic Drugs Act (Betäubungsmittelgesetz) in order to ease research; in 1998 dronabinol was rescheduled from annex II to annex III and since then has been available by prescription.{{cite journal |doi=10.1177/002204260203200218 |title=The Medical use of Cannabis in Germany |year=2002 |last1=Grotenhermen |first1=F. |journal=Journal of Drug Issues |volume=32 |issue=2 |pages=607–634|s2cid=72802616 }} whereas Δ⁹-THC is still listed in annex I.{{cite web |url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/ |title=Gesetz über den Verkehr mit Betäubungsmitteln (Betäubungsmittelgesetz – BtMG) |date=19 January 2009 |publisher=Federal Ministry of Justice |access-date=30 July 2009 |language=de |archive-date=16 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016145409/http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/ |url-status=live }} Manufacturing instructions for dronabinol containing compendial formulations are described in the Neues Rezeptur-Formularium.{{cite journal |last=ABDA – Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Apothekerverbände |date=21 April 2008 |title=Rezepturhinweise: Dronabinol- und Cannabis-Zubereitungen |journal=Pharmazeutische Zeitung |publisher=Govi-Verlag Pharmazeutischer Verlag GmbH |location=Eschborn |language=de |url=http://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/fileadmin/nrf/PDF/1-Dronabinol.pdf |access-date=30 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620063348/http://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/fileadmin/nrf/PDF/1-Dronabinol.pdf |archive-date=20 June 2009 |url-status=dead }}

Although Δ⁹-THC is still listed in annex I, in a few cases, patients have been able to obtain from the federal drug authority a special permit to import natural cannabis through a pharmacy. Manufacturing instructions for dronabinol containing compendial formulations are described in the Neues Rezeptur-Formularium.

In February 2008, seven German patients were legally being treated with medicinal cannabis, distributed by prescription in pharmacies.{{cite web |url=https://cannabis-med.org/bulletin/iacm-bulletin-of-february-15-2009 |title=Germany: First Patients to Receive Cannabis from the Pharmacy |work=IACM-Bulletin |publisher=International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines |date=15 February 2009 |access-date=21 November 2016 |archive-date=6 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606111352/http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/bulletin/ww_en_db_cannabis_artikel.php?id=289 |url-status=live }}

On 4 May 2016, the Cabinet of Germany approved legislation allowing the use of cannabis for seriously ill patients who have consulted with a doctor and "have no therapeutic alternative". German Health Minister Hermann Gröhe presented the legal draft on the legalisation of medical cannabis to the cabinet which took effect on 10 March 2017. Licenses are issued by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices to companies for growing medical cannabis{{cite web|last1=Berlinger|first1=Joshua|title=Germany to legalize medicinal marijuana by 2017|date=4 May 2016|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/04/europe/germany-medicinal-marijuana/|publisher=CNN|access-date=2 December 2016|archive-date=12 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212030358/https://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/04/europe/germany-medicinal-marijuana/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Germany to legalise cannabis for medicinal purposes|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/03/germany-to-legalise-cannabis-for-medicinal-purposes/|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=2 December 2016|date=3 May 2016|agency=Agence France-Presse|archive-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721043936/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/03/germany-to-legalise-cannabis-for-medicinal-purposes/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Kade|first1=Claudia|title=Ab 2017 gibt es Cannabis auf Kassenrezept|url=https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article154992002/Ab-2017-gibt-es-Cannabis-auf-Kassenrezept.html|newspaper=Die Welt|date=3 May 2016|access-date=2 December 2016|archive-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530065914/https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article154992002/Ab-2017-gibt-es-Cannabis-auf-Kassenrezept.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Cannabis als Medizin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012044035/https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/ministerium/meldungen/2016/cannabisarzneimittel-kabinett.html |url-status=dead |date=4 May 2016 |url=https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/ministerium/meldungen/2016/cannabisarzneimittel-kabinett.html|publisher=Bundesministerium für Gesundheit |access-date=2 December 2016|archive-date=12 October 2016 }}{{cite web|title=Cannabis auf Kassenkosten|url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/kabinett-cannabis-101.html|publisher=Tagesschau|access-date=2 December 2016|archive-date=29 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329212945/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/kabinett-cannabis-101.html|url-status=live}} and import{{Cite web |title=Full Guide to Import Legally Cannabis from Africa to Germany |url=https://www.wegrowls.com/import-cannabis-to-germany/ |access-date=25 February 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=25 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225215350/https://www.wegrowls.com/import-cannabis-to-germany/ |url-status=live }} according to strict EU GMP standards. As of March 2017, the seriously ill can obtain cannabis with a doctor's prescription, paid for by health insurance.{{Cite web |url=https://www.thelocal.de/20170303/doctors-rejoice-as-germany-kicks-off-medical-marijuana-prescriptions/ |work=The Local |access-date=30 January 2022 |title=Doctors rejoice as Germany kicks off medical marijuana prescriptions |date=3 March 2017 |agency=dpa |archive-date=24 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124161012/https://www.thelocal.de/20170303/doctors-rejoice-as-germany-kicks-off-medical-marijuana-prescriptions/ |url-status=live }}

File:CannabisPropagandaAachen Tur4930 (cropped).jpg]]

The Hanfparade ({{langx|en|Hemp Parade}}) is a hemp legalisation demonstration in Berlin.{{cite web|url=https://www.visitberlin.de/en/event/hanfparade|title=Demonstration for the Legalization of Cannabis|access-date=1 April 2024|website=visitBerlin.de|archive-date=1 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401135950/https://www.visitberlin.de/en/event/hanfparade|url-status=live}} It has taken place annually since 1997.{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/germans-stage-rally-demanding-legalization-of-cannabis/a-66517257|title=Germans stage rally demanding legalization of cannabis|date=12 August 2023|access-date=1 April 2024|website=Deutsche Welle|archive-date=1 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401135952/https://www.dw.com/en/germans-stage-rally-demanding-legalization-of-cannabis/a-66517257|url-status=live}}

File:Global Marijuana March, Düsseldorf, 2016 - IMG 20160514 161718.jpg, Düsseldorf, 2016]]

The Global Marijuana March has taken place in Germany since 2000 and has been coordinated since 2011 by the Deutscher Hanfverband (German Hemp Association).{{cite web|title=Übersichtsseite: Global Marijuana March|date=4 April 2014|url=https://hanfverband.de/nachrichten/news/uebersichtsseite-global-marijuana-march|publisher=Deutscher Hanfverband|language=de|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-date=6 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606111401/https://hanfverband.de/nachrichten/news/uebersichtsseite-global-marijuana-march|url-status=live}}

The protest group "Who Are We Hurting?" led by Alec "Craze" Zammitt & Will Stolk brought their protest efforts to Berlin, Germany in July 2023, one month prior to Germany announcing the legalisation of Cannabis. The group distributed 100s of fake cannabis plant props throughout Berlin,{{Cite web |last=FRANK |date=29 August 2023 |title=Two Australian Activists Face Criminal Charges for Projecting Pro-Cannabis Imagery Onto the Sydney Opera House |url=https://frank151.com/two-australian-activists-face-criminal-charges-for-projecting-pro-cannabis-imagery-onto-the-sydney-opera-house/ |access-date=11 September 2023 |website=Frank151.com |language=en-US |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901023828/https://frank151.com/two-australian-activists-face-criminal-charges-for-projecting-pro-cannabis-imagery-onto-the-sydney-opera-house/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Ruskin |first1=Zack |last2=Now |first2=Cannabis |date=22 July 2023 |title=8000Kicks Publicity Stunt Raises Hemp Awareness in Berlin |url=https://cannabisnow.com/8000kicks-publicity-stunt-raises-hemp-awareness-in-berlin/ |access-date=11 September 2023 |website=Cannabis Now |language=en-US |archive-date=3 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003072042/https://cannabisnow.com/8000kicks-publicity-stunt-raises-hemp-awareness-in-berlin/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=25 July 2023 |title=¿Berlín Cubierta de Marihuana? Activistas 420 Llenan la Ciudad con 500 Plantas |url=https://elplanteo.com/plantas-marihuana-canamo-berlin/ |access-date=11 September 2023 |website=El Planteo |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002154237/https://elplanteo.com/plantas-marihuana-canamo-berlin/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=8000Kicks |url=https://softsecrets.com/de/artikel/8000kicks-auf-hanfrevolution-folgt-festnahme |access-date=11 September 2023 |website=softsecrets.com |language=de |archive-date=2 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102172837/https://softsecrets.com/de/artikel/8000kicks-auf-hanfrevolution-folgt-festnahme |url-status=live }} mimicking their prior Australian 420 protest in 2018.{{Cite news |last=Langford |first=Sam |title=Happy 4/20: Activists Have Hidden Weed Plants All Around Sydney |work=Junkee |url=https://junkee.com/420-weed-cannabis-sydney/155337 |access-date=11 September 2023 |archive-date=20 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120062517/https://junkee.com/420-weed-cannabis-sydney/155337 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Connellan |first=Shannon |date=20 April 2018 |title=Marijuana plants hidden in plain sight for 4/20 stunt |url=https://mashable.com/article/marijuana-plants-hidden-420 |access-date=11 September 2023 |website=Mashable |language=en |archive-date=10 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910010036/https://mashable.com/article/marijuana-plants-hidden-420 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Brereton |first=Greta |date=20 April 2018 |title=These two weapons covered Sydney in 'cannabis plants' to celebrate 4/20 |url=https://beat.com.au/these-two-weapons-covered-sydney-in-cannabis-plants-to-celebrate-4-20/ |access-date=11 September 2023 |website=Beat Magazine |language=en-AU |archive-date=2 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102172836/https://beat.com.au/these-two-weapons-covered-sydney-in-cannabis-plants-to-celebrate-4-20/ |url-status=live }}

The Hanf Museum (Hemp Museum) was established in Berlin in 1994.{{cite web|url=https://www.visitberlin.de/en/hanf-museum-berlin-berlin-hemp-museum|title=Hanf Museum Berlin (Berlin Hemp Museum)|access-date=1 April 2024|website=visitberlin.de|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031163411/https://www.visitberlin.de/en/hanf-museum-berlin-berlin-hemp-museum|url-status=live}}

Non-psychoactive foods made with hemp seeds (less than 0.2% THC) are very common in German health food shops such as Reformhaus. Since the late 2010s, Hemp foods and drinks have become widely available in all types of stores including supermarkets,{{Cite web |title=REWE - Alpenbaue Hanf Bio-Bonbons vegan 90g |url=https://www.rewe.de/produkte/alpenbauer-hanf-bio-bonbons-vegan-90g/7286644 |access-date=22 March 2024 |archive-date=22 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322191855/https://www.rewe.de/produkte/alpenbauer-hanf-bio-bonbons-vegan-90g/7286644 |url-status=live }} and health food shops and drug stores like dm{{Cite web |title=dm-drogerie markt - dauerhaft günstig online kaufen |url=https://www.dm.de/seeberger-kerne-mix-tomate-und-hanf-p4008258056004.html |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=www.dm.de |archive-date=22 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322191852/https://www.dm.de/seeberger-kerne-mix-tomate-und-hanf-p4008258056004.html |url-status=live }} and Rossmann{{Cite web |title=enerBio Hanfsamen geschält online kaufen {{!}} rossmann.de |url=https://www.rossmann.de/de/lebensmittel-enerbio-hanfsamen-geschaelt/p/4305615664187 |access-date=March 22, 2024 |archive-date=22 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322191853/https://www.rossmann.de/de/lebensmittel-enerbio-hanfsamen-geschaelt/p/4305615664187 |url-status=live }} have begun selling various CBD products, sometimes including THC-free cannabis.{{Cite web |title=dm-drogerie markt - dauerhaft günstig online kaufen |url=https://www.dm.de/klosterfrau-cbd-hanf-aktivoel-p4008617100447.html |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=www.dm.de |archive-date=22 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322191851/https://www.dm.de/klosterfrau-cbd-hanf-aktivoel-p4008617100447.html |url-status=live }}

File:10.08.2019 Hanfparade Berlin (pic 2).jpg

The Greens, The Left, and the Free Democratic Party wanted the government to legalise the regulation of cannabis for private consumption. They said that this would help protect adult consumers from buying cannabis laced with other harmful chemicals. They also said that buying cannabis on the black market stigmatised ordinary citizens, preventing them from seeking help if they need it and increasing the chance that they will buy harder drugs. Cannabis shops would eliminate this risk and prevent minors from buying the drug with the implementation of legal minimum age checks for purchase.{{Cite web |last=Kosfeld |first=Peter |title=Deutscher Bundestag - Nach langem Ringen: Bundestag verabschiedet Cannabis-Legalisierung |url=https://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2024/kw08-de-cannabis-990684 |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Deutscher Bundestag |language=de |archive-date=24 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324202314/https://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2024/kw08-de-cannabis-990684 |url-status=live }}

In the coalition talks between the SPD, the Greens and the FDP that followed the federal election in 2021, the proposal arose within the framework of a government that was to be formed to release cannabis for legal distribution to adults and to sell it in licensed specialist shops in the future.{{cite news |last= Braneck |first= Dave |date= 10 November 2021 |title= Bongs for beer steins? Why Germany might move to legalise cannabis |url= https://www.euronews.com/2021/11/10/bongs-for-beer-steins-why-germany-might-move-to-legalise-cannabis |work= euronews |access-date= 30 November 2021 |archive-date= 30 November 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211130191223/https://www.euronews.com/2021/11/10/bongs-for-beer-steins-why-germany-might-move-to-legalise-cannabis |url-status= live }}{{cite news |last= Daly |first= Max |date= 24 November 2021 |title= Next German Government Says It Will Legalise Cannabis |url= https://www.vice.com/en/article/next-german-government-says-it-will-legalise-cannabis/ |work= Vice |access-date= 30 November 2021 |archive-date= 30 November 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211130191223/https://www.vice.com/en/article/g5qg4y/next-german-government-says-it-will-legalise-cannabis |url-status= live }}{{cite news |date= 19 November 2021 |title= Germany: Likely future government supports cannabis legalisation |url= https://www.dw.com/en/germany-likely-future-government-supports-cannabis-legalization/a-59870689 |work= Deutsche Welle |access-date= 30 November 2021 |agency= AFP, Reuters |archive-date= 30 November 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211130182533/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-likely-future-government-supports-cannabis-legalization/a-59870689 |url-status= live }}{{cite news |last=Marsh |first=Sarah |date=24 November 2021 |title=Germany's next government aims to legalise recreational cannabis |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/germanys-next-government-aims-legalise-recreational-cannabis-2021-11-24/ |work=Reuters |access-date=30 November 2021 |archive-date=29 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129091934/https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/germanys-next-government-aims-legalise-recreational-cannabis-2021-11-24/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last= Kingsley |first= Thomas |date= 19 November 2021 |title= Germany could legalise cannabis in new revenue boosting drug policy move |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/germany-cannabis-legalised-drugs-b1960606.html |work= The Independent |access-date= 30 November 2021 |archive-date= 29 November 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211129224607/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/germany-cannabis-legalised-drugs-b1960606.html |url-status= live }}{{cite news |date=19 November 2021 |title=How Germany's next government is planning to legalise cannabis |url=https://www.thelocal.de/20211119/how-germanys-next-government-is-planning-to-legalise-cannabis/ |work=The Local |access-date=30 November 2021 |archive-date=29 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129055709/https://www.thelocal.de/20211119/how-germanys-next-government-is-planning-to-legalise-cannabis/ |url-status=live }}

After the 2021 German federal election, the resulting coalition announced in their coalition agreement that they planned to legalise cannabis for recreational purposes. A study conducted by the University of Düsseldorf in 2021 reported that legalising cannabis with a regulated market in Germany could raise more than €4.7 billion per year in additional revenue and create approximately 27,000 jobs.{{cite web |url= https://www.dice.hhu.de/startseitennews/studie-cannabislegalisierung-bringt-dem-staat-jaehrlich-47-milliarden-euro-rund-27000-legale-arbeitsplaetze-wuerden-entstehen |title= Studie: Cannabislegalisierung bringt dem Staat jährlich 4,7 Milliarden Euro – rund 27.000 legale Arbeitsplätze würden entstehen |date= 16 November 2021 |website= Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf |access-date= 26 October 2022 |archive-date= 26 October 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221026210543/https://www.dice.hhu.de/startseitennews/studie-cannabislegalisierung-bringt-dem-staat-jaehrlich-47-milliarden-euro-rund-27000-legale-arbeitsplaetze-wuerden-entstehen |url-status= live }}

In January 2022, Federal Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann stated that the ministry was drafting cannabis regulations, but the date of legalisation would be up to the Federal Ministry of Health.{{cite news|work=Der Spiegel|title=Justizminister plant Regeln zur Legalisierung|trans-title=Justice minister planning regulations for legalization|quote=Die Bundesregierung will den Verkauf von Cannabis zum Genuss erlauben. Um eine Lizenz zu erhalten, sollten sich Verkäufer nach dem Willen von Justizminister Buschmann optimal mit der Droge auskennen.|date=10 January 2022|url=https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/gesellschaft/cannabis-legalisierung-verkaeufer-sollen-laut-marco-buschmann-suechtige-erkennen-koennen-a-d2452c95-2ed3-4017-9aa4-78adeee6c54b|access-date=10 January 2022|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110184722/https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/gesellschaft/cannabis-legalisierung-verkaeufer-sollen-laut-marco-buschmann-suechtige-erkennen-koennen-a-d2452c95-2ed3-4017-9aa4-78adeee6c54b|url-status=live}} A 2022 German cannabis legalisation framework was introduced in October. The German health minister wants to make it legal for adults to purchase and own up to 30g (1 oz) of cannabis for recreational use and to privately grow up to three plants.{{Cite web |last=Oltermann |first=Philip |date=26 October 2022 |title=Germany announces plan to legalise cannabis for recreational use |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/26/germany-to-legalise-cannabis-for-recreational-use |access-date=3 November 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103093138/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/26/germany-to-legalise-cannabis-for-recreational-use |url-status=live }} Additionally, according to the plans, Cannabis Social Clubs with up to 500 members, may cultivate marijuana jointly for recreational use and sell it to members only for personal use.{{Cite web |last=F |first=Milosz |date=12 April 2023 |title=Germany: first steps on a careful path in cannabis legalization |url=https://cannabizeu.com/germany-first-steps-on-a-careful-path-in-cannabis-legalization/ |access-date=8 May 2023 |website=CannabizEU |language=en-US |archive-date=8 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508095630/https://cannabizeu.com/germany-first-steps-on-a-careful-path-in-cannabis-legalization/ |url-status=live }} The draft bill was circulated on 28 April.{{cite Twitter|title=Versprechen Gehalten. Kommentare willkommen|user=Karl_Lauterbach|author=Karl Lauterbach|number=1652018045345251328}} In an interview published on 6 August 2023, Michael P. Seiter, Chief Advisor from the Bundestag, opined, "I currently suspect it will come soon, within the next 5–12 months. Chance – about 90%."{{cite web|url=https://www.stvincenttimes.com/the-story-of-a-global-change-the-world-is-legalizing/|title=The Story of a Global Change: The World Is Legalizing|date=6 August 2023|access-date=1 April 2024|website=stvincenttimes.com|archive-date=15 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815231009/https://www.stvincenttimes.com/the-story-of-a-global-change-the-world-is-legalizing/|url-status=live}} According to an agreement, the legalization of cannabis possession and cultivation could take effect on 1 April 2024, with 50 grams (1¾ oz) of dried cannabis allowed for home cultivation.{{Cite web |last=Sabaghi |first=Dario |date=28 November 2023 |title=Germany Will Likely Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis In 2024 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2023/11/28/germany-will-likely-legalize-adult-use-cannabis-in-2024/ |access-date=4 December 2023 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215113848/https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2023/11/28/germany-will-likely-legalize-adult-use-cannabis-in-2024/ |url-status=live }} Some anticipate that this could lead to a tipping point for the entire EU.{{Cite web |last=News Ghana |date=5 August 2023 |title=The World Is Legalizing: The Story of a Global Change {{!}} News Ghana |url=https://newsghana.com.gh/the-world-is-legalizing-the-story-of-a-global-change/ |access-date=9 August 2023 |website=NewsGhana |language=en-US |archive-date=10 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810183158/https://newsghana.com.gh/the-world-is-legalizing-the-story-of-a-global-change/ |url-status=live }}

In September 2023 the German Federal Council officially commented on the plans of the German federal government to legalise cannabis for the first time and outlined the draft Cannabis Act (known in German as Cannabisgesetz or "CanG") The Cannabis act would remove cannabis from the Narcotic Drugs Act (Betäubungsmittelgesetz).{{cite web|url=https://www.dentons.com/en/insights/alerts/2023/october/5/german-federal-council-issues-first-statement-on-the-planned-german-cannabis-law |title=German Federal Council issues first statement on the planned German cannabis law |date=5 October 2023|access-date=2 April 2024|website=Dentons}} In October, Minister Karl Lauterbach promised the act would come into force by 31 December 2023.{{Cite web |last=Becker |first=Andreas |date=2023-10-19 |title=Lauterbach will Kiffen ab Silvester erlauben |url=https://www.schwaebische.de/politik/cannabis-legalisierung-lauterbach-will-kiffen-ab-silvester-erlauben-1988746 |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=www.schwaebische.de |language=de}} Other voices from the Bundestag, such as Michael P. Seiter, were more skeptical and predicted that it would take a few months longer, but the law would become a bit more liberal than currently planned.{{Cite web |last=GhanaNews |title=Embarks on path to hemp liberalization |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/1249966/ghana-embarks-on-path-to-hemp-liberalization-pavi.html |access-date=8 April 2024 |website=GhnanaNwes}} Ultimately, both of these predictions came true. For adults, possession of 25 grams ({{frac|7|8}} oz) of dried product and private cultivation of a maximum of three plants would be permitted.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2023/07/10/germany-unveils-draft-bill-to-legalize-cannabis/?sh=4ed9cc072272|title=Germany Unveils Draft Bill To Legalize Cannabis|date=10 July 2023|access-date=1 April 2024|website=Forbes|archive-date=1 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401141227/https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2023/07/10/germany-unveils-draft-bill-to-legalize-cannabis/?sh=4ed9cc072272|url-status=live}} The act would allow for non-commercial self cultivation of cannabis to be done in cultivation associations.

{{Main|German cannabis control bill#2023 proposal}}

On 23 February 2024, the Bundestag (German parliament) ratified the new Cannabis Act (with 407 members voting for the new law and 226 against it, with four abstentions).{{cite news |date= 23 February 2024 |title= Germany's Bundestag votes for cannabis legalization |url= https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-bundestag-votes-for-cannabis-legalization/live-68348345 |work= Deutsche Welle (DW) |access-date= 28 February 2024 |archive-date= 27 February 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240227230354/https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-bundestag-votes-for-cannabis-legalization/live-68348345 |url-status= live }}{{cite news |date= 24 February 2024 |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68378807 |title= Germany legalises cannabis, but makes it hard to buy |website= BBC News |access-date= 23 February 2024 |archive-date= 23 February 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240223120314/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68378807 |url-status= live }} On 22 March, the act was passed in the Bundesrat.{{Cite web |title=Germany approves partial legalization of cannabis from April|url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-approves-partial-legalization-of-cannabis-from-april/a-68641043 |access-date=2024-03-22 |publisher=Deutsche Welle|language=en |archive-date=22 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322131046/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-approves-partial-legalization-of-cannabis-from-april/a-68641043 |url-status=live }} The German governing coalition (consisting of the Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats), as well as the opposition Left Party, voted in favor of the legislation.{{cite news|url=https://www.dw.com/en/cannabis-in-germany-legalization-with-limits/a-68353166|title=Cannabis in Germany: Legalization with limits|author=Jens Thurau|date=April 1, 2024|publisher=Deutsche Welle}} The opposition CDU/CSU and Alternative for Germany (AfD) voted against the legislation.{{cite news|url=https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/02/germany-parliament-passes-legislation-allowing-limited-production-and-consumption-of-cannabis/|author=Shashank Pandey|work=Jurist|date=February 23, 2024|title=Germany parliament passes legislation allowing limited production and consumption of cannabis}}

The Cannabis Act partially legalised the possession and cultivation of cannabis for recreational consumption by adults (aged 18 and above) in Germany.{{cite news |last= Bushard |first= Brian |date= 23 February 2024 |title= German Parliament Passes Cannabis Legalization—But It's Still Hard To Buy |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2024/02/23/german-parliament-passes-cannabis-legalization-but-its-still-hard-to-buy/ |work= Forbes |access-date= 23 February 2024 |archive-date= 23 February 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240223161230/https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2024/02/23/german-parliament-passes-cannabis-legalization-but-its-still-hard-to-buy/ |url-status= live }} Possession of up to {{convert|25|g|oz}} allowed in public and up to {{convert|50|g|oz}} of dried cannabis in private (at home) was made legal. However, those aged from 18 to 21 are restricted under the law to a maximum purchase limit of 30 grams (1 oz) of cannabis. Adults are allowed to have up to three cannabis plants at home. Since 1 July 2024, it has been legal for adult residents of Germany to form and join non-profit cannabis social clubs, with each club's membership restricted to a maximum of 500 persons.{{cite news |date= 23 February 2024 |title= Germany's parliament votes to legalize limited marijuana possession and allow 'cannabis clubs' |url= https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/germanys-parliament-votes-to-legalize-limited-marijuana-possession-and-allow-cannabis-clubs |work= PBS NewsHour |access-date= 23 February 2024 |archive-date= 23 February 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240223225016/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/germanys-parliament-votes-to-legalize-limited-marijuana-possession-and-allow-cannabis-clubs |url-status= live }} Members of the club are allowed to purchase up to 50 grams (1¾ oz) each month. However, consuming on the club premises is prohibited.

Consumption of cannabis within 100 metres (110 yards) of certain areas (including schools, kindergartens, public playgrounds, sports facilities and "pedestrian zones in city centers" between 07:00 and 20:00) is prohibited. The Act came into force on 1 April 2024.{{cite web |url=https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/service/gesetze-und-verordnungen/detail/cannabisgesetz.html |title=Cannabisgesetz (CanG) |website=Federal Ministry of Health (Germany) |access-date=9 February 2024 |language=de |archive-date=23 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223175640/https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/service/gesetze-und-verordnungen/detail/cannabisgesetz.html |url-status=live }}

It has been questioned to what degree the legislation will affect illicit traffic of cannabis in Germany – as commercial sale of cannabis will remain prohibited, those who do not wish to grow their own plants or join a social club would probably continue to resort to procuring cannabis from illegal dealers.

The creation and possession of cannabis edibles remains illegal due to posing an alleged risk to minors. Their production may be punished with up to 3 years in prison.{{Cite web |last=Schmid |first=Greta |date=2025-01-02 |title=Sind Edibles legal? - Rechtliches und Wissenswertes |url=https://jurawelt.com/sind-edibles-legal-rechtliches-und-wissenswertes/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=Jurawelt |language=de}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://hightimes.com/news/german-lawmakers-vote-to-legalize-cannabis/ German Lawmakers Vote To Legalize Cannabis]. High Times. Published 27 February 2024.

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Category:Cannabis in Germany