Germany joined a small group of countries and jurisdictions to legalize cannabis on Friday when the Bundestag passed a law allowing individuals and voluntary associations to grow and possess limited amounts of the drug, AFP reported.

A pipe for smoking marijuanaPhoto: Emil Helms / AFP / Profimedia

The law, passed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s ruling tripartite coalition, legalizes the cultivation of up to three plants for private consumption and the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis.

More, but still non-commercial, cannabis production will be allowed by members of so-called cannabis clubs, which have no more than 500 members, all adults. Only club members can consume their products.

“We have two goals: to reduce the black market and to better protect children and young people,” Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said at the start of a heated debate in which the opposition accused him of promoting drug use.

Approximately 4.5 million Germans use cannabis.

Cannabis remains illegal for minors, as does consumption near schools and playgrounds.

Some lawmakers question whether the new rules will have a significant impact on illegal drug trafficking, as those who don’t want to grow their own cannabis or join a cannabis club may still prefer to purchase the drug.

Germany became the ninth country to legalize recreational use of the drug, which is also legal in some sub-national jurisdictions in the United States and Australia.

Many other countries allow its use in medicine as a pain reliever.

A medical treatment based on cannabis, used mainly for pain relief, will be available in France in 2025, the French medicines agency announced on Tuesday, despite experiments on the subject having been ongoing for several years, AFP reported.

The therapeutic value of cannabis, which is primarily used to treat pain and anxiety, is a matter of debate. So far, research tends to support some benefits, but it remains limited.

On the same topic:

  • The use of hemp for medical purposes is legalized in Ukraine. Zelensky announced the law
  • Scientific report: Cannabis extract can kill cancer cells
  • The law of 3 grams of grass. The Stakes and Dangers of Romania’s First Step to Increase the Effectiveness of the War on Drugs