Growing weed at home will no longer be prosecuted too.

Possession of cannabis, also known as marijuana, in Germany will not be considered a crime since 1 April 2024, on the condition that the consumer – but not dealer – carries maximum 25 grams in public or 50 grams in private places. Sale or distribution of weed for profit remains banned.

The decision taken by Bundestag – the country’s lower chamber of parliament – also allows individuals over the age of 18 to grow up to three cannabis plants per household for personal use, an approach aimed to provide an alternative for those who preferred cultivating their own cannabis. 

Despite the apparent leniency, purchasing cannabis proved to be a more intricate process than initially envisioned.

The original plan for licensed shops and pharmacies to sell cannabis was scrapped due to concerns from the European Union about potential drug exports.

Instead, a unique system of "cannabis social clubs" was established. These clubs, limited to 500 members each, are responsible for growing and distributing the drug exclusively to their constituents, all of whom had to be German residents.

The debate leading up to the decision still generates heated debates among legislators, with opponents calling it “unnecessary and confusing” move or "the most stupid thing" while supporters expecting a decline in drug trafficking and affiliated crimes.

The rationale behind the legalization was to address the soaring cannabis use among young people.

Smoking cannabis in certain areas, such as inside or near schools and sports grounds, remained illegal, and the market was tightly regulated to make buying the drug challenging.

Opposition parties, according to German media reports, have promised to scrap the pro-weed law if elected next year.
Cannabis is a legal consumption product – at various degrees – in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Portugal, Switzerland, Georgia, Canada, Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, and several U.S. states.

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