Legal Weed Still Advancing in Germany

Germany’s plan to legalize marijuana in 2023 is moving forward, a report by the RND news organization says. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach released a draft law on April 28^th outlining the rules for the country’s new “Cannabis Social Clubs”, the first format for the public exchange of cannabis products in the country.

These clubs, also known as “cultivation associations”, will only be allowed to sell weed to people who are members of the club. Memberships will be limited to 500 people per club, and nobody will be allowed to be part of more than one club.

Younger members between the ages of 18 and 21 will only be able to purchase cannabis that has a THC content of no more than 10 percent and will be limited to purchasing a maximum of 30 grams per month. Members over 21 years old will be able to purchase a maximum of 50 grams per month.

Though it will be forbidden to consume marijuana on the premises of a cannabis club, public consumption will also be limited. Smoking weed within 250 meters of a school, Kita, play area, youth club, or sports facility would be verboten, as would consumption in pedestrian areas between the hours of 7am and 8pm.

The original plan, which would have seen cannabis sales legalized in pharmacies and other specialty shops, is still off the table for now. Germans will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams and cultivate a maximum of three plants at home. Currently, limited possession is allowed, although the amount varies greatly depending on the federal state. In most states, a maximum of 6 grams is allowed for personal use and in Berlin, up to 15 grams.