Germany takes first step to legal recreational cannabis

Government is hoping to curb the black market, reduce drug crime and protect users by stopping contaminated marijuana

- SARAH MARSH ANDREAS RINKE

Germany’s cabinet has passed a contentious bill to legalise recreational cannabis use and cultivation. If passed into law, it would be one of the most liberal such laws in Europe.

The legislation, which still has to pass parliament, would allow adults to possess up to 25g (0.88oz) of the drug, grow a maximum of three plants, or acquire the drug as associates of non-profit cannabis clubs. The centre-left government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes the law will curb the black market, protect consumers against contaminated marijuana and reduce drug-related crime.

A key pillar of the plan is also a campaign to raise awareness about the risks, which should ultimately curb consumption, said health minister Karl Lauterbach, of Scholz’s Social Democrats. Such a campaign would not gain the same level of attention if it were introduced without a change in the law, he said.