When the legislation goes into effect, people (those who are 18 years of age and older) will be able to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis in public areas and up to 50 grams in private residences. Every household is allowed to cultivate up to three plants.
According to Marijuana Moment, possession and usage may become legal as early as April 1, however that date may be postponed. The measure is now headed to the Bundesrat, the German legislature that represents the states. There is a chance that the bill would be submitted to a mediation committee, which would cause a delay in the law's eventual passage.
German cannabis aficionados shouldn't anticipate a sizable legal market very soon, despite the positive news. The BBC reported that because of concerns raised by the European Union, the bill's proponents were compelled to modify their plans for sales in regulated dispensaries and pharmacies.
Rather, the measure establishes a framework for nonprofit "cannabis social clubs," which will cultivate and provide cannabis to up to 500 members each. These clubs may start up as early as July, depending on how the law moves through the Bundesrat.
Marijuana Moment reports that efforts are underway to present another law that would create pilot programs for commercial sales in certain German cities. The European Commission of the EU must first examine such law. According to the BBC, if the conservatives win the majority in the Bundestag next year, they will completely abandon legalization.
Germany is just the third member of the European Union (the other two being Luxembourg and Malta) and will become the ninth nation to legalize cannabis usage for recreational purposes. Uruguay, Georgia, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and Thailand have all legalized the use and possession of marijuana. Legal marijuana is available in twenty-four states, the District of Columbia, and three territories.