On February 23, 2024, the German Bundestag passed the
Cannabisgesetz, or Cannabis Control Bill, making it the
third member of the EU to legalize adult-use cannabis. Once in
effect, this law will legalize adult-use cannabis for those 18
years of age and older, and will allow personal possession and
home-grow. The law is set to go into effect April 1, 2024, although
the Bundesrat could potentially delay its implementation. However,
the Bundesrat's consent is not required for the
Cannabisgesetz to go into law, so any delays by the
Bundesrat would be only temporary.
While Germany will immediately become the largest European
country by population and economy to legalize adult-use cannabis,
its implementation will be more similar to Malta than U.S. states
that have legalized cannabis in that consumers will only be able to
purchase cannabis by joining private clubs. This presents less
economic opportunities in the immediate future, but still warrants
attention in the
