Germany Achieves Historic Milestone as First Major European Nation to Legalize Cannabis

Germany has legalized recreational marijuana possession and growing at home, but sales will only be allowed through non-profit "social clubs" with limited membership. The Bundestag, Germany's parliament, voted 407-226 today in support of the legalizing legislation.

When the legislation goes into effect, adults (aged 18 and older) will be able to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis in public places and up to 50 grams in their private residences. Each household can grow a maximum of three plants.

The measure is now being considered by the Bundesrat, the German legislative body that represents German states, and it may be submitted to a mediation committee, delaying the law's ultimate passage.

Despite the positive news, German cannabis aficionados should not anticipate a substantial legal market very soon. The bill's proponents were compelled to scale back plans for sales at licensed dispensaries and pharmacies due to European Union concerns, according to the BBC.

Instead, the measure establishes a framework for non-profit "cannabis social clubs" to cultivate and distribute cannabis to no more than 500 members each. These clubs might begin operating as early as July, depending on how the law progresses through the Bundesrat.

Marijuana Moment reports that another measure will be introduced to establish pilot programs for commercial sales in various German towns. That law must first be evaluated by the EU's European Commission. According to the BBC, conservatives in the Bundestag have stated that if they win power in next year's elections, they will completely repeal legalization.

Germany will become the 9th country to legalize recreational cannabis usage, and just the third European Union member (the other two being Luxembourg and Malta). Canada, Georgia, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, and Uruguay have all legalized marijuana possession and consumption. Marijuana is legal in 24 US states, the District of Columbia, and three territories.