“Netherlands Shifts to Stricter Stance on Cannabis Tourism Amid Permissive Reputation”
Germany made headlines on Monday as it became the largest European Union member state to legalize recreational cannabis. This decision came despite strong opposition from certain quarters, including opposition politicians and medical associations.
The newly enacted law marks the first step in a highly debated process. Under its provisions, adults aged 18 and above are now permitted to possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis. Additionally, individuals are allowed to cultivate up to three marijuana plants within their own homes.
Germany’s move towards legalization positions it among the most progressive nations in Europe regarding cannabis laws. This development aligns it with countries like Malta and Luxembourg, which legalized recreational cannabis in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
This significant shift in policy reflects changing attitudes towards cannabis across Europe, with an increasing number of countries moving towards more liberal regulations surrounding its use.
The Netherlands, known for its permissive attitude to the drug, has in recent years taken a stricter approach to counter cannabis tourism.
As the law took effect at midnight, hundreds of people cheered by Berlin’s iconic Brandenbrug Gate, many of them by lighting up joints in what one participant, a very happy 25-year-old Niyazi, called “a bit of extra freedom”.
As the next step in the legal reform, from July 1 it will be possible to legally obtain weed through “cannabis clubs” in the country.
The new regulations in Germany allow regulated associations to have a maximum of 500 members each. These associations will also have the authority to distribute up to 50 grams of cannabis per person per month.
In the interim period before the full implementation of these regulations, consumers are advised not to disclose the source of their cannabis to the police during street checks. This advice was provided by Georg Wurth, director of the German Cannabis Association, to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
