Germany has legalized the use of recreational cannabis. According to the law approved by the German Parliament, recreational cannabis will be able to be used by people over the age of 18, but at the same time strict rules will make it difficult to buy it on the market.
The decision on the consumption of cannabis in public places will come into force on April 1. Possession of up to 25 g of cannabis will be allowed in public spaces. In private homes, the legal limit will be up to 50 g.
Germany wants to undermine the black market, protect users from contaminated cannabis and cut revenue streams for organized crime gangs.
Germany becomes the ninth country to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, which is also legal in some international jurisdictions in the United States and Australia.
Some German lawmakers questioned whether the new regulations would have much of an impact on its trade, as those unwilling to grow their own cannabis may still prefer to consume the hard drug.
Over the next few years, the government wants to assess the impact of the new law and eventually introduce the licensed sale of cannabis.
Meanwhile, the opposition conservatives say that if they enter the government next year, they will completely remove the law. Germany is unlikely to become Europe's new Amsterdam anytime soon, the BBC cites.