Germany’s marijuana legalization law officially took effect on Monday, with personal possession and cultivation now permitted for adults.
Just days after the cannabis bill was signed into law, the non-commercial legalization provisions are now in force. Social clubs where people will be able to obtain marijuana are due to launch in July.
Under the new policy, adults 18 and older are allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and grow up to three plants for personal use.
Once social clubs open over the summer, members will be able to buy up to 25 grams of cannabis, with a cap of 50 grams per month. That cap is 30 grams for members under 21 years old.
The social clubs cannot be be located near schools or playgrounds, and each jurisdiction will be able to have only one club for every 6,000 residents. Clubs will be limited to 500 members and will need a permit, which will be valid for up to seven years with the possibility of receiving an extension.
There will be an official analysis of the effects of legalization on youth safety that must be completed within 18 months of enactment under the law.
Bundesrat President Manuela Schwesig signed the legislation last week, completing its lengthy journey to enactment that involved debate and compromises within the government so-called traffic light party coalition.
The Bundestag passed the marijuana legalization measure in February.
Last month, members of the separate Bundesrat representing individual states reached a deal with Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and other government ministers and declined to refer the cannabis legislation to a mediation committee that would have delayed implementation by six months.
The Bundesrat previously tried to block the proposed reform in September but ultimately failed.
Officials are eventually planning to introduce a complementary second measure that would establish pilot programs for commercial sales in cities throughout the country. That legislation is expected to be unveiled after its submitted to the European Commission for review.
February’s floor vote in the Bundestag came weeks after leaders of the coalition government announced that they’d reached a final agreement on the legalization bill, resolving outstanding concerns, primarily from the SPD.
A final Bundestag vote on the legalization bill that was initially planned in December was ultimately called off amid concerns from SPD leaders.
H/T: marijuanamoment.net
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