Germany to legalize marijuana with controls aiming at black market reduction

In our neighbours, a change eagerly awaited by a specific group of citizens is coming into effect. From April 1st, a controlled legalization of marijuana becomes law. This means that individuals can carry up to 25 grams of the substance.

Under the new legal act, adults will be permitted to carry up to about 25 grams of marijuana for personal use. At home, growing up to three cannabis plants and purchasing up to about 50 grams of marijuana a month will be allowed. Meanwhile, young adults (aged 18-21) can purchase up to about 30 grams per month.

This fulfils one of the promises made by the current ruling coalition. Its politicians had pledged back in 2021 that they would legalize marijuana in the country.

For many months, however, there was a debate on how to liberalize the law and to what extent. Eventually, the department unveiled the first proposal in mid-last year. In February 2024, the law's final draft received support from the Bundestag.

Earlier, the Czech Republic decriminalized possession. As mentioned in July 2023, Prague's initial proposal was that cannabis in the country should be sold exclusively in specialized stores, which would need to acquire a licence for such activity.

The fee for a small store was expected to start at about £1,800. Pharmacies would be the only entities exempt from this fee. In addition, every individual buying marijuana for personal use would have to register in a special registry.

Advertising cannabis products, as well as displaying their pictures and illustrations, would be banned.