Germany has joined a select group of nations, as well as many U.S. states, in passing legislation to legalize cannabis. The Bundestag (the country’s parliament) approved Germany legal cannabis with a law that allows individuals and voluntary associations to cultivate and possess limited amounts of cannabis.

Championed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s ruling three-party coalition, the law permits the cultivation of up to three cannabis plants for personal use and possession of up to 25 grams of the drug.

Additionally, non-commercial cultivation on a larger scale is sanctioned for members of cannabis clubs, limited to 500 adult members each. Only club members are allowed to consume the cannabis produced by these clubs, a law similar to what is currently proposed in the Czech Republic.

Smoking cannabis in many public spaces will become legal from April 1, according to the BBC. However, consumption will remain illegal near schools and sports grounds. Also, the government will strictly regulate the market and buying cannabis will remain difficult. German leaders initially wanted to allow licensed shops and pharmacies to sell cannabis, but those plans were thrown out after European Union leaders raised concerns that such a system could lead to a surge in drug exports.

Lawmakers Pass Germany Legal Cannabis Law After Rowdy Debate

The road to legalization was not smooth. In what Reuters described as “rowdy debate,” those opposed to legalization accused Health Minister Karl Lauterbach of promoting drug use. He responded, “”We have two goals: to crack down on the black market and improve protection of children and young people.”

Christian Democrat legislator Tino Sorge dismissed the notion of legalizing drugs as a means to reduce usage among young people as absurd. “That is the most stupid thing I’ve ever heard,” Sorge said.

Lauterbach countered that such skepticism amounted to ignoring reality. He pointed out the alarming rise in illegal cannabis use among young people in Germany. He also highlighted the increased potency and impurities found in street drugs today, which significantly heighten their risks. Approximately 4.5 million Germans are estimated to use cannabis, according to Reuters.

Germany Is the Ninth Country to Legalize Cannabis

Germany legal cannabis makes the European nation the ninth in the world to legalize or decriminalize recreational cannabis use. The others are Canada, Georgia, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay (which was the first country to legalize recreational cannabis nationwide) and Thailand. However, new leaders in Thailand are already making moves to walk back legalization in that country.

Some of the largest markets for legal cannabis are in the United States, where 23 states have legalized cannabis for adult use. They include some of the biggest states in the country: California, New York, Illinois, Ohio and Michigan.

While many countries permit cannabis for medical purposes, its recreational use remains off-limits for minors, as does consumption near schools and playgrounds.

In Germany, many law enforcement officers already “turn a blind eye” to smoking cannabis in public, according to the BBC, even though it remains an illegal activity under the nation’s current law.