“New law permits cultivation of up to three plants and possession of 50g at home, 25g in public, aiming to curb black market and protect youth.”

Germany’s parliament has officially passed a law legalising the possession and cultivation of cannabis for personal use, positioning the country as one of the latest to join a growing list of nations allowing the drug’s controlled use. The legislation, backed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition, permits individuals to cultivate up to three cannabis plants for private consumption and to hold 50g of cannabis at home. In public, possession is restricted to 25g.

The law is part of Germany’s broader strategy to combat the black market and protect younger populations from potential harm. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach emphasised the dual goals of reducing illegal cannabis trade and improving child protection during a heated parliamentary debate. However, the proposal faced fierce opposition, with critics accusing the government of promoting drug use.

This shift in policy is expected to have a significant impact on Germany’s approach to drug regulation and its broader social implications.