Since 2021 Germany has been on the road to legalisation and it’s been a slow journey so far. Compared to many other European countries Germany is well ahead when it comes to exploring the potential for legalisation of weed for recreational use and with a bit of luck it won’t be much longer before we see progress. They’ve even had medical cannabis in pharmacies since 2016. We do need luck though because so far the proposals have hit roadblock after roadblock and the EU commission isn’t making this easy. Which in fairness they shouldn’t do as a serious governmental body. Whatever we think, they have to follow process, and so far to be fair everything does seem to be going by the book.
In this article we’re going to take a look into what has happened so far with cannabis legalisation in Germany. As this is a changing scene we’re going to keep this page updated with any new developments that occur, so make sure to check back in periodically.
When Will Germany Make Weed Legal?
The Story so far:
At the end of 2021 the headlines were popping off. “Swapping Beer Steins for Bongs!” was a favourite. It was an exciting time because for the first time a major European power had a coalition of parties in power who had all campaigned for legalisation in the election. Germany was considering proposing legislation where the initial proposals recommend allowing those over the age of 18 to access to cannabis through licensed stores and increasing possession allowances up to 30g. The aim being to eliminate the illicit market and improve public health. It’s nice to hear some progressive politics in this space for once…
By 2022 the issue was one of government machinery and the wait was more to do with the Department of Justice having to draw up brand new legislation and then following that for the ministry of health make arrangements for legalisation (like set a date). Fortunately the minister behind that department is fully behind the proposed plan.
Not much had changed by October but then the ‘2022 German cannabis legalization framework’ was introduced. The framework goes into the specifics behind how this change in the law would be delivered. What new laws would be in place, for example putting restrictions on potency, possession over 30g, or where and when it can be sold. It also lays down proposals for taxation, and rules for advertisements and marketing.
If it was up to the Bundestag legalisation would be moving ahead at a good speed but ultimately as part of the EU the German legislation needs to be reviewed by the EU commission who can make sure it fits within EU laws. All Germany need to do is put in a proposal and formal notification to the commission so that the process can be started! So they did that straight away right? Right???
What’s happened with legalising weed in Germany in 2023? (Last Update: 25/01/23)
At the time of writing the submission which was originally planned to be in before the end of 2022 is now scheduled to be submitted by the end of March at the earliest. Hopes of legalisation by 2024 suddenly slipped back to 2025.
Ultimately though that’s what this is, it’s a hope because there are a few different ways this could play out. Let’s take a look:
- The proposals are accepted without much delay and cannabis becomes legal in Germany before the end of 2024
- The proposals go back and forth with some deliberation before being passed and introduced in 2025
- The commission blocks the plans and puts and end to the dream for Germany
After doing some more research and reading comments from those specialising in cannabis within the legal sector it looks like the widely accepted conclusion is that we’re likely to see the progress we want but in the form of option 2, so good news but we will have to wait.
Conclusion
That’s all for now, as I said this will be updated as we move along. If you have any questions in the meantime then please get in touch with us from the contact page here, and don’t forget to check our store out for some amazing CBD and legal cannabis goodnesss.
While things are lagging behind in the UK you might need some tips on keeping things on the quiet. Here’s our top tips to help with that (from experience)