The German government passed a controversial bill on Wednesday to legalize the cultivation and use of marijuana for recreational purposes, marking one of the most liberal cannabis laws in Europe and potentially increasing momentum for a similar global trend.
The legislation, which must be approved by parliament, will allow adults to possess up to 25 grams of the drug, cultivate a maximum of three plants, or acquire it as members of non-profit marijuana clubs. The center-left government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes the law will curb the black market, protect consumers from contaminated marijuana, and reduce drug-related crimes.
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach from the Social Democratic Party, to which Scholz belongs, stated that one of the key components of the plan, which removes prohibitions on cannabis use, is a campaign to raise awareness about the risks to ultimately reduce marijuana consumption. He added that this campaign would not have received the same level of attention if launched without amending the law.
Lauterbach mentioned in a press conference in Berlin announcing the bill, "Under the current regulations, we cannot seriously protect children and young people; it has become a societal taboo." He continued, "We have increasing and concerning consumption; we could not simply allow this to continue... So, this is an important turning point in our drug policy."
