In a landmark move, Germany has officially become the largest member of the European Union (EU) to legalise 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. This initiative positions 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. Critics argue that the legalisation could lead to increased cannabis use among teenagers and young adults, potentially harming their developing brains and increasing the risk of psychosis and schizophrenia.
“From our point of view, the law as it is written is a disaster,” expressed Katja Seidel, a therapist at a Berlin cannabis addiction center for youth.
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