Contribution from March 22, 2024
The Bundesrat today cleared the way for the partial legalization of cannabis in Germany. The chamber of the federal states decided not to appeal to the mediation committee and thus approved the law passed by the Bundestag. From April 1, 2024, the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis and the personal cultivation of a maximum of three plants will therefore be exempt from punishment. In addition, from July 1, 2024, adults will be able to join together in cultivation communities and jointly cultivate and obtain cannabis for recreational purposes.
In Dortmund, initiatives of the cannabis legalization movement welcome the decision of the Federal Council, which has given the green light for this important step towards a modern and humane drug policy. Partial legalization would not only finally decriminalize users, but could also improve the protection of young people and prevention.
"For us activists, today is a day to celebrate. The many years of hard work are finally bearing fruit. For us, the bottom line is very clear: we must not let up with our commitment now!" says Nadja Reigl, initiator and organizer of the Dortmund Global Marijuana March. She has been demonstrating for the legalization of cannabis since 2012. "Decriminalizing users is an important first step, but it must not be the end of the story. We will of course continue to campaign for comprehensive legalization and a regulated market. Therefore, our demonstration will of course also take place this year on May 11 in Dortmund."
Dominik De Marco, Chairman of the Cannabis Social Club Dortmund e.V., is also delighted: "Our association aims to enable the cultivation and consumption of cannabis in a safe and controlled environment following legalization. We attach great importance to transparency, quality control and the protection of minors. The decision in the Bundestag and Bundesrat is an important milestone for the practical implementation of the cultivation associations. We already have more than 250 people on our waiting list who would like to use cannabis in a self-determined way once the partial legalization comes into force. This shows that many people in Dortmund want a safe and regulated alternative to the black market. The board of our association will do everything in its power to live up to this trust and offer our members a high-quality and responsible opportunity to consume cannabis".
"Legalization is overdue and a victory for common sense," adds David Müller from the Dortmund chapter of the German Hemp Association. "Today we have taken a big step in the right direction. We now have a solid basis to raise the issue to a more serious level and to focus on and promote the area of raw materials from industrial hemp, as well as the medical sector. In addition, we as DHV must not rest on our laurels with the points that have now been agreed, as many things must now be worked out in a more consumer-friendly way so that the authorities can really be relieved."
The initiatives have announced that they will constructively and critically support the implementation of partial legalization in Dortmund. At the same time, they want to educate citizens about the opportunities and risks of cannabis and campaign for a holistic reorientation of drug policy.
