Germany's parliament, the Bundestag, has approved a contentious law to legalise personal cannabis use, signalling a significant shift in the country's drug policy. The measure, part of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's social reform agenda, garnered 407 votes in favour and 226 against during Friday's session.

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Starting April 1st, adults in Germany will have the liberty to purchase up to 25 grams (approximately one ounce) of cannabis per day for recreational purposes. Additionally, individuals will be permitted to cultivate up to three cannabis plants each for personal consumption. However, individuals under the age of 21 will face a monthly limit of 30 grams.

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While the legislation does not necessitate formal approval from the upper house, Bavaria's conservative state government has expressed intentions to explore legal avenues to contest the law. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach underscored the imperative to address the inadequacies of current laws in mitigating usage rates and addressing concerns stemming from the black market, adulterated products, and potency levels.

Lauterbach emphasised the necessity of destigmatising cannabis while imparting knowledge about associated risks, advocating for a paradigm shift in drug management. With an estimated 4.5 million cannabis users in Germany, the legalisation seeks to confront societal challenges while advocating for informed decision-making and strategies for harm reduction.

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