A 2021 survey found that 4.5 million adults used cannabis in the past year, with a prevalence of 10.7% among men and 6.8% among women. It also found that usage was highest among 18-to-25-year-olds [1].
On 23 February 2024, the German Bundestag passed the Cannabis Act (Gesetz zum kontrollierten Umgang mit Cannabis und zur Änderung weiterer Vorschriften – Cannabisgesetz). The act came into force on 1 April 2024, legalizing the recreational use of cannabis in Germany, with the exception of the regulations on cultivation associations, which is scheduled to come into effect on 1 July 2024 [1]. The act also made changes to the medical use of cannabis, which has been legal since 2017 and previously fell under the stricter regulation for narcotic substances.
With the Cannabis Act, the government aims to contribute to improved health protection, strengthen cannabis-related education and prevention and child and youth protection and curb organized drug crime [2]. At the same time, there is a general ban on advertising and sponsorship for cannabis and cultivation associations [1].
After intense debates during the legislative process, including opposition from different stakeholders (e.g. physician associations), the act includes the following regulations:
- Possession of amounts up to 25 g is legal for adults.
- Smoking is legal in public spaces but not in certain areas (e.g. next to schools, in pedestrian areas during the day) or in direct proximity of people younger than 18.
- Growing up to three marijuana plants per household is allowed for personal use.
- Growing and limited distribution to members is further allowed in non-commercial “cannabis clubs” of up to 500 persons each (German residents only).
- Distribution is limited to personal use and 25 g per day/50 g per month (18–21-year-olds: 30 g/month).
- Smoking onsite at the clubs is permitted.
- Advertising and sponsoring activities are prohibited, and prevention mechanisms shall be strengthened, including the availability of public information, e.g., www.infos-cannabis.de.
- Limits for driving still have to be determined; values of 3.5 ng/ml are currently being discussed.
The impact of the law on child and youth protection will be scientifically evaluated. An initial evaluation will occur 18 months after the law’s enactment, assessing the effects of the first year’s consumption ban. Two years in, an interim report will be presented, including the impact on cannabis-related organized crime. A comprehensive final evaluation will follow after four years [1].