The German parliament has backed a new law to allow the recreational use of cannabis.
Some representatives in the chamber argued about negative consequences of the law, and a motion on Friday to send the law to a mediation committee threatened to delay the enforcement of the law.
However, the motion did not receive enough votes, and as a result, Smoking cannabis in many public spaces will become legal from April 1st
Possession of up to 25g, equivalent to dozens of strong joints, is to be allowed for adults aged 18 and above while In private homes the legal limit will be 50g.
The law also permits that individuals can keep three plants for home cultivation.
On a Larger-scale, but still non-commercial, cannabis production will be allowed for members of so-called cannabis clubs with no more than 500 members, all of whom must be adults.
Only club members can consume their product. The Original plans to allow licensed shops and pharmacies to sell cannabis have been scrapped due to concerns expressed by EU that this could lead to a surge in drug exports.
Germany becomes the ninth country to legalise recreational use of the drug, which is also legal in some sub-national jurisdictions in the United States and Australia.
Many more countries allow its medical use as a painkiller. Cannabis however remains illegal for minors as does consuming it near schools and playgrounds.
During a rowdy debate where the opposition accused him of promoting drug use, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said “We have two goals: to crack down on the black market and improved protection of children and young people,”
The Christian Democrat legislator Tino Sorge considered the assertion as lacking sensibility. He remarked “You are asserting in all seriousness that by legalising more drugs we will contain drug use among young people, that’s the most stupid thing I’ve ever heard”.
The new law which the government believes will reduce the health risks associated with cannabis as it will tackle the problem of contaminated substances in the black market is still widely opposed by medical associations and health groups.
Also, regional authorities, saddled with overseeing its implementation complain of excess bureaucratic moves as they will have to reverse prison sentences and fines already imposed on already convicted individuals.
In the meantime, opposition conservatives say that if they get into government next year, they will scrap the law entirely.
