The legalization of cannabis for recreational use in Germany marks a historic moment, making the country the second in Europe (following Malta) to take this step.
On Friday, the 23rd of February, a new era began in the German Parliament with the approval of a bill presented by the Health Minister in 2023. It’s a new legal framework that has taken some time to establish due to numerous modifications to the initial plan and the difficult trajectory faced by European countries wishing to fully legalize cannabis in line with international laws.
What kind of recreational cannabis regulation model will be implemented in Germany?
After Germany legalized cannabis for medical use, time has proven them right with positive outcomes. Currently, the country has become the largest legal medicinal cannabis market in Europe and is one of the leaders worldwide.
Such is the case, that the legalization of recreational use was only a matter of time. However, as explained by Karl Lauterbach, Germany’s Health Minister, this measure aims to reduce risks associated with cannabis use and eradicate the black market.
Therefore, the legalization of cannabis for recreational use in Germany will be under specific guidelines:
Country residents over 18 years can possess and consume up to 50 grams in private and up to 25 grams in public places.
Home cultivation is allowed with a maximum of three plants per person.
The distribution of recreational cannabis will go through a model of non-profit cannabis clubs that can have a maximum of 500 members.
Cannabis consumption won’t take place within the clubs; instead, they’ll be spaces designed solely to distribute the collective harvest among their various members.
Public consumption will be prohibited less than one hundred meters from schools or sports centers, or in pedestrian zones after 7pm. However, cannabis consumption will be allowed in the rest of the public space.
A model where home-grown marijuana and cannabis clubs legally coexist
What surprised many is that the new model, set to launch on the 1st of April this year, considers home-growing as one of the social justice measures.
Straying from the systems followed by other countries where cannabis cultivation is limited to a few licensed corporations, Germany wanted to provide consumers the option to grow cannabis for their own use.
This law serves as great news for those cannabis growers who wish to control the entire production process of the flowers they’ll consume.
On the other hand, those who prefer will have the option to associate with cannabis clubs, where they can safely collect their marijuana flowers. This fact will avoid having to resort to the black market with all the negative consequences that it can entail.
Additionally, the government has prepared a series of educational measures aimed to inform consumers about the risks associated with abusive cannabis use.
The intent is to offer the public factual information based on scientific evidence, about both the therapeutic properties of the plant, as well as the negative health effects in case of irresponsible consumption.
The German legalization model contemplates starting with the coexistence of home-growing and cannabis clubs with collective crops.
The importance of home-grown cannabis being legalized in Germany
Regulating home-growth of marijuana gives users the option to produce their cannabis flowers in a more controlled, and possibly cheaper way.
Moreover, it is a measure that supports social justice, recognizing the rights of individuals (both patients and recreational users) to grow their own cannabis without having to rely on third parties.
The benefits of home-grown marijuana
There are several reasons why some choose to grow their own cannabis. Generally, being able to control the entire process provides the assurance of knowing exactly what products have been used during cultivation.
Let’s explore the benefits of home-growing cannabis seeds
Controlling the process and products used in marijuana cultivation
The fertilizers being used, along with the chosen type of cultivation, are elements that hugely influence the harvest outcome.
The use of organicfertilizers is the healthiest choice, not only for the plants but also for the person who will consume their buds. Anything applied to the plant will ultimately end up in our bodies, therefore, both the fertilizers and the organic pesticides are better options than mineral fertilizers or chemical pesticides.
Also, the taste of buds from an organic crop will be of higher quality as mineral or semi-mineral fertilizers can obscure the original aroma of cannabis strains, sometimes even causing a “scratching” sensation in the throat when the smoke is inhaled (especially if there hasn’t been a good root wash).
Home-growing allows the user to consume the most suitable strains according to their tastes or needs.
Choosing marijuana seeds suitable for the user’s needs
Today, there are many types of cannabis strains; some are autoflowering, that don’t depend on the light period to start flowering; feminized photoperiods, that do depend on the light period and ensure a 100% female offspring, etc.
Choosing marijuana seeds from reputable seed banks that guarantee product quality is important; but it’s also crucial to understand what needs must be fulfilled, to ensure the selected genetics meet the requirements.
Menu options at cannabis clubs are usually top quality but are limited and may not contain the type of cannabis that the user is specifically looking for. For that reason, home-growing can be a good option to get the exact product one is seeking:
Cannabinoid content: nowadays there are different market options regarding the THC/CBD ratio of strains, as well as CBG seeds and other profiles meeting specific needs. If a user needs a strain with a potent effect, they should opt for marijuana seeds with a high THC content, like this one. Whereas, for others, a high psychoactive potency may turn out to be annoying or simply incompatible with their daily activities. In these cases, CBD seeds might be a better option, offering a more sustainable effect and even no psychoactivity, as is the case with pure CBD varieties like Only CBD.
Aroma and flavor: today, we know that the terpene profile of cannabis genetics determines not only its aroma and flavor but also its effect. If you apply the terms “indica” and “sativa” to the psychoactive effect, they refer to calming, sedative, and physical effects (indica) or energizing, cerebral, mood-lifting, and even creativity-boosting sensations (sativa). Terpenes are the aromatic molecules found in the bud’s resin, and depending on its composition, they will cause one effect or another. Therefore, many users prefer to grow the varieties they appreciate most in terms of taste and also effect.
Economizing resources: while it’s true that an initial investment is required (which will be larger or smaller depending on the cultivation type), in the long run, home-growing turns out more economical than buying the final product.
The advantages of cannabis gardening: for many, home-growing cannabis becomes an experience that brings benefits on its own. Being involved in the plant’s lifecycle and obtaining the outcome of dedication and patience can be quite rewarding.
Final conclusions regarding cannabis cultivation legalization in Germany
The progressive path Germany has chosen marks a historic moment that could cause a domino effect among other European states and also globally.
A vision that divorces prohibition and acknowledges the rights of users to home-grow, while establishing a regulated system for dispensing cannabis through cannabis clubs. The country’s strong commitment to risk reduction through education and transparency could be a tool ensuring greater product safety, increasing public knowledge about responsible consumption, and demystifying the cannabis plant.
We will closely follow every step of this process. In the meantime, leave us your opinion through the comments and let’s generate an open, transparent, and healthy debate.