German government approves bill allowing recreational use of marijuana

It is reported that the German government has approved a bill allowing the recreational use of marijuana. The law states that adults can possess up to 25 grams of marijuana and cultivate up to three plants for personal use.

In Germany, the purchase and possession of marijuana for recreational purposes have been legalized. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach regarded the bill as a “turning point” in Germany.

ADULTS WILL BE ALLOWED TO POSSESS UP TO 25 GRAMS OF MARIJUANA

The law states that adults can possess up to 25 grams of marijuana and cultivate up to three plants for personal use. According to a report by AFP, the law will also permit individuals to join non-profit “cannabis clubs” with up to 500 members, where the drug can be legally grown and purchased.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach stated that the law would reduce the black market and drug-related crimes, alleviate the burden on law enforcement, and enable the safe consumption of cannabis.

“CONTROLLED LEGALIZATION”

Lauterbach mentioned in a statement to journalists, “The concept we are presenting is a controlled legalization. We want to limit consumption and make it safer.”

The health minister also added that the use of drugs by minors would still be prohibited, and the government would initiate a campaign particularly warning about health risks for young people. Finally, the minister stated that the government’s public health campaign would emphasize the harmful effects of regular marijuana use on the developing brains of individuals under the age of 25. He noted that this issue is still considered a “taboo” among parents and in schools.