Germany Introduces Initial Draft Bill to Legalize Cannabis

Germany’s government has released an initial draft bill to legalize the personal use and home cultivation of cannabis throughout the country, following plans announced in October. The draft bill, which is part of a two-pillar model aimed at dismantling prohibition policies, was published on July 5.

Under the proposed bill, individuals over the age of 18 would be allowed to possess and use up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use. They would also have the right to grow up to three cannabis plants at home. However, there are certain restrictions. Consuming cannabis in close proximity to individuals under 18 or within a 200-meter radius of schools, playgrounds, children’s facilities, pedestrian zones, and publicly accessible sports facilities between 7 AM and 8 PM may result in fines or criminal charges.

Additionally, the draft bill includes provisions for the establishment of cannabis growers’ associations, known as “Anbauvereinigungen.” These associations can have up to 500 members, each of whom would be eligible to receive up to 25 grams of cannabis per day or 50 grams per month. Associations can also provide members with a maximum of seven seeds or five cuttings per month for personal cultivation at home, which can be sourced from abroad.

The number of associations in a district or urban area can be regulated by the German government, with a limit of one association per 6,000 inhabitants, according to Forbes.

The draft bill aims to serve as a model for other European countries, following the recent legalization of cannabis for personal use in Malta and Luxembourg. The Czech Republic has also announced plans to legalize cannabis following Berlin’s lead.