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Since April 1, 2024, adults in Germany have been allowed to possess certain amounts of cannabis for personal use, marking a significant shift in the country's drug policy. Individuals over the age of 18 can now keep up to 50 grams at home and carry a maximum of 25 grams of marijuana or hashish in public. However, the distribution and sale of cannabis remain prohibited, a measure intended to curb the black market and combat organized crime.
Despite the legislative changes aimed at reducing drug-related offenses, the German police and Justice Ministry have voiced concerns over the new law's implications for law enforcement. According to reports, the legalization has introduced uncertainties regarding threshold limits and challenges in securing evidence, particularly in determining THC levels. These complications have reportedly led to a significant increase in workload for police forces, even as drug-related crimes have seen a 41.5 percent decrease, attributed in part to the new cannabis legislation.
Justice Minister Marion Gentges (CDU) has been particularly vocal about the law's shortcomings, stating that it has proven to be a substantial obstacle in criminal investigations. The legislation restricts key investigative methods such as telecommunications surveillance, online searches, and location data collection, tools that are often critical in solving crimes. Gentges argues that the law's original objectives—drying up the black market and fighting organized crime—have been 'clearly missed,' raising questions about its effectiveness and implementation.
The debate over Germany's cannabis legalization highlights the complex balance between progressive drug policies and the practical challenges they pose for law enforcement. As the country navigates this new terrain, the experiences of police and judicial authorities will likely play a crucial role in shaping future adjustments to the law. For now, the controversy underscores the need for ongoing dialogue between policymakers and those on the front lines of enforcing the nation's drug laws.