Germany is legal for medical cannabis and illegal for recreational cannabis as of 2023. However, the cabinet has approved a bill to legalize cannabis use in August 2023. Enforcement is scheduled to begin in 2024.
Germany is said to be the market leader in Europe for CBD products with less than 0.2% THC content.
Recreational use
As of 2023, recreational use of cannabis is illegal in Germany.
Germany has strict drug control laws, and adults over the age of 21 who possess or use cannabis can be fined up to $30,000 or imprisoned for up to two years, or both, depending on the amount.
However, at its August 16 cabinet meeting, the German government approved a bill that would legalize the possession and cultivation of marijuana for personal use of recreational marijuana. The bill is expected to take effect in 2024.
Under the bill, adults 18 years of age and older will be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of marijuana and cultivate up to three plants for personal use. To purchase and obtain marijuana, one must be a member of a non-profit organization supervised by a public agency with the authority to oversee legal purchases and cultivation.
Use for personal purposes will be allowed, but use within 200 meters of public places such as schools and playgrounds will be prohibited.
When this bill comes into effect, Malta will be the second country in Europe to legalize cannabis.
Medical cannabis in Germany
From 2017, medical marijuana can be used if recommended by a physician.
Therefore, the cultivation, sale, and importation of medical cannabis is permitted in Germany.
A legal amendment in 2017 allows patients to receive a prescription from their doctor. The prescription allows patients to obtain medical marijuana at a dispensary if their doctor determines that there is no treatment available to alleviate their symptoms.
Although Germany has now legalized medical marijuana, it was originally known as one of the countries with the strictest drug control laws in Europe. Currently, Germany is absorbing various things from Canadian companies that legalized marijuana first, and is expected to develop its marijuana industry in the future.
CBD is legal
CBD is legal.
It can be used for commercial and research purposes as long as the THC concentration is less than 0.2%. In most European countries, THC less than 0.2% is legal.
However, current German CBD regulations are a bit more complicated, with a 2016 court ruling that CBD buds are illegal because they are considered part of the plant ,.
In addition to CBD oil, CBD liquid for vaping, and cosmetics containing CBD ingredients, café stores specializing in drinks and food have also appeared.
Conclusion
We have introduced the cannabis situation in Germany.
As of 2023, medical marijuana is legal in Germany, while recreational marijuana is illegal.
A bill to legalize recreational marijuana has been approved and is scheduled to go into effect in 2024. Germany has had strict drug control laws, but once recreational marijuana is officially legalized, it is expected to become one of the leading countries in Europe for the cannabis industry.