Can cultivate up to three plants, possess up to 25 grams, one more country legalizes cannabis cultivation

BERLIN: Germany has permitted cultivation and use of cannabis from next April onwards. Permission has been given to only those above 18 years of age. The number of youngsters using cannabis from the black market in defiance of the existing law has increased sharply in Germany. The new law was passed keeping this in mind.

Medical associations had opposed the new law. The law was passed by the German parliament overcoming this opposition. A house can cultivate up to three plants and an individual can possess up to 25 grams of cannabis. The situation we are in now cannot be accepted in any way. Therefore, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach ahead of the vote said that the law should be supported.

Medical associations came forward pointing out the health problems caused by the use of cannabis. They said the use of cannabis affects the development of the nervous system. Health experts warn that cannabis use can also increase the risk of psychosis and schizophrenia.

Meantime, it is illegal for anyone below 18 to possess cannabis in the country. It will still be illegal to use cannabis in certain places such as near schools and sports fields.
Apart from Germany, cannabis is legal in some countries of the European Union. Malta and Luxembourg legalized the use of cannabis in 2021 and 2023 respectively.

Countries where cannabis is legal are Uruguay, Georgia, Canada, Mexico, Malta, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Jamaica, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, South Africa, Czech Republic, Spain, Argentina, Costa Rica and Belize.