Germany has become the biggest EU country to legalize cannabis. But it’s only for recreational use.
Reports say people gathered for a “smoke-in” at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate after the partial legalisation.
The Guardian reports that cannabis users have been celebrating in the country after the partial decriminalisation. Adults are allowed to carry up to 25g of dried cannabis on them and cultivate up to three marijuana plants at home.
The new rules were introduced after a heated debate about the pros and cons of allowing easier access to the drug. The government is of the view that the legislation will have an impact on the hidden market and reduce the spread of contaminated cannabis, thereby protecting young people.
The justice minister, Marco Buschmann, said the legislation would ease the burden on the judiciary and the police.
However, there has been criticism about the impact on young people. Katja Seidel, a therapist at a drug addiction centre in Berlin, the Tannenhof Berlin-Brandenburg, said, “From our point of view, the law as it is written is a disaster. Access to the product will be easier, its image will change and become more normalised, especially among young people.”
The partial decriminalization comes with some measures. Consumption by anyone under 18 will continue to be illegal.
It must not be smoked within 100 meters of a school, kindergarten, playground or sports centre.
