MEDCAN is pleased for German cannabis consumers
The MEDCAN Association is delighted about the partial legalization of cannabis in Germany. It must be a great relief for those affected to soon no longer be criminalized. The Association hopes for the same in Switzerland and the rest of the world. And being able to grow three plants at home is a relief for anyone using cannabis medicinally. If the prescribed cannabis medications from a doctor are insufficient or unaffordable, at least one can grow some oneself without fear. MEDCAN hopes that the change in the law in Germany will have a positive effect on Switzerland and the rest of Europe. It is high time that decades of stigmatization and misguided prohibition come to an end. So many personal accounts and studies demonstrate this today. The time for global change is now!
The details of the law
The new cannabis law in Germany, which comes into effect on April 1, 2024, legalizes the consumption of cannabis for adults and introduces various regulations regarding possession, cultivation, and penalties. Adults are permitted to possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis in public spaces and up to 50 grams in private spaces. Cultivating up to three cannabis plants for personal use is also allowed. Furthermore, non-commercial cultivation association may grow cannabis and distribute it to their members, with distribution limited to 25 grams per day or 50 grams per month. Special regulations apply to young adults between 18 and 21 years of age, limiting the amount to 30 grams per month with a maximum THC content of 10 percent.
Historic step in German drug policy
The German government's aim with this law is to curb the illegal market, control the quality of cannabis, prevent the distribution of contaminated substances, and strengthen the protection of children and young people. A general ban on advertising and sponsorship of cannabis for recreational use and for cultivation association is being introduced, and possession of cannabis remains prohibited for minors. Furthermore, there is a ban on cannabis consumption in pedestrian zones between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The path to legalization
Whether the law would clear its final hurdle was uncertain until shortly before the session. Three committees of the Bundesrat (Federal Council) had recommended convening the mediation committee. The lead health committee proposed postponing the law's entry into force until October 1st. The federal government addressed several points of criticism in an attempt to avert mediation. In a statement recorded in the Bundesrat, it pledged greater support for education and prevention, particularly for children and young people, as well as more flexible implementation rules. To this end, several subsequent amendments to the law are to be implemented before July 1st.
Outlook on the societal impact
With the decriminalization and regulation of cannabis, Germany is taking a remarkable step toward a progressive drug policy. It opens a new chapter in the social acceptance and medical use of this plant. This historic decision reflects a profound shift in the public perception of cannabis. From a prohibited substance, it is becoming a regulated product with medical and personal benefits. It is a moment of freedom and responsibility for German citizens: the freedom to consume cannabis without fear of prosecution, and the responsibility to use this new freedom thoughtfully and in accordance with the law. Germany is preparing to implement this groundbreaking law, while the world eagerly awaits how this change will shape national drug policy, advance research, and ultimately improve the lives of millions of patients who rely on cannabis as part of their medical treatment.
Do you also wish you had the opportunity to grow your own cannabis? Then become a member or support us with a donation. Home cultivation is one of our core demands, because every patient should have the right to grow their own medicine. The development of home cultivation in Germany is also raising hopes in Switzerland for a self-determined and cost-effective treatment option that could soon become a reality.
