12 Months of Cannabis Legalisation in Germany
What exactly has changed?
Cannabis has been legal in Germany for a year now, or more precisely: decriminalised. But what exactly has changed for cannabis consumers since April 1, 2024?
Well, for the vast majority, nothing. Apart from the fact that carrying a few grams of cannabis with you is no longer a crime.
One of the major goals of legalisation, namely to significantly reduce and eliminate the black market, has been missed. There are virtually no legal sources of supply for cannabis consumers. Most cultivation associations (Cannabis Social Clubs) are still struggling with the stringent bureaucratic requirements. The supply of medical cannabis, which has been legal since 2017, works and has even become easier. Otherwise, the black market remains.
Self-sufficiency – home cultivation of up to three plants has been legal since April 1st 2024 and has naturally increased. But it only accounts for a fraction of the total amount consumed. Of course, it's nice to legally have three plants in the garden or on the balcony. But for that, you first need a garden or balcony. And more than enough people don't.
The situation hasn't improved for the police and the judiciary, whose workload was also supposed to be significantly reduced by the law. A senior public prosecutor in Stuttgart says that the law is unclear and uncertain in many places, resulting in significantly more complicated cases.
The head of the drug squad adds that the investigative workload for the police has increased with the legalisation of cannabis. The cannabis law makes it legal to carry up to 25 grams for personal use. Now the police have significantly more work to do to prove that the dealer has been dealing and that it's not just simple possession.
The greatest success of the law is probably that cannabis is becoming more and more accepted in society. It is also encouraging that the new German governing coalition has announced that it intends to maintain legalisation. However, there is still a great deal to be done.
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Liz Filmer
