Germany has officially become the largest member of the European Union (EU) to legalize recreational cannabis, setting a precedent that has been met with both celebration and criticisms.
As of Monday, adults over the age of 18 are now permitted to possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis and grow a maximum of three marijuana plants at home.
“From our point of view, the law as it is written is a disaster,” expressed Katja Seidel, a therapist at a Berlin cannabis addiction centre for youth.
This initiative places Germany alongside Malta and Luxembourg one of the European countries with the most lenient cannabis laws.
Despite the groundbreaking legislation, the country has faced significant backlash from opposition politicians and health experts who fear potential negative impacts on society, especially among younger populations.
The legislation also introduces “cannabis clubs,” a new model for obtaining cannabis legally starting July 1.
This step comes after the initial proposal for cannabis to be sold in licensed shops was abandoned due to opposition from the EU, though a trial for shop sales in pilot regions is still under consideration.
However, critics argue that the legalization could lead to increased cannabis use among teenagers and young adults, potentially harming their developing brains and increasing the risk of psychosis and schizophrenia.
