Context

Germany became the largest European Union (EU) member to legalize recreational use of cannabis.

• Malta and Luxembourg legalized recreational use in 2021 and 2023, respectively.

Germany legalises Possession of Cannabis for Personal Use

• The initial phase of the legislation permits adults aged 18 and above to possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis and grow a maximum of three marijuana plants at home.
• Legal Access: As part of the subsequent phase, individuals will have the option to legally access marijuana through “cannabis clubs” within the nation. 
  • These officially regulated groups can accommodate up to 500 members each and will be authorized to provide a maximum of 50 grams of cannabis per person monthly.
• Significance: The law will help in providing assistance for addiction, implementing preventive measures for children and adolescents, and combating the illicit market.

Concerns with Legislation

• Increase in Use Among Young: Medical groups have raised concerns that legalisation could lead to an increase in use among young people, who face the highest health risks.
• Health Impact: Cannabis use among young people can affect the development of the central nervous system, leading to an increased risk of developing psychosis and schizophrenia.
• Administrative Challenges: Implementation of a retroactive amnesty on cannabis-related offenses could create an administrative challenge for the legal system.

About Cannabis

• It is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Cannabinaceae.
• It has been used by humans for over 5,000 years for medicinal and recreational uses, firstly in Central and Northeast Asia and subsequently spreading worldwide.
• Cannabis, or marijuana, is one of the most widely used illicit drugs.
• It has a complex chemical composition that includes cannabinoids which are a group of secondary metabolites, several of which are responsible for the psychotropic effects.

Cultural and Medicinal Significance of Cannabis

• Reduction in Chronic Pain: Medical cannabis/ marijuana may be able to lessen discomfort and inflammation, particularly in cases of cancer and neuropathic pain.
• Vomiting and nausea: Medical marijuana may help avoid or lessen vomiting and nausea brought on by chemotherapy or other drugs.
• Treatment for Epilepsy: Medical marijuana may help lessen the frequency and intensity of seizures, particularly in cases of uncommon epilepsy like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
• Alzheimer’s disease: By decreasing the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain, Medical marijuana may help slow down the disease’s progression.
• Multiple sclerosis: Medical marijuana may help lessen the pain, stiffness, and spasms in the muscles that are a part of the disease.
• Crohn’s disease: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss are just a few of the symptoms that Medical marijuana may help with.
• Glaucoma: Medical marijuana may help reduce intraocular pressure in the eyes, preventing or postponing glaucoma-related visual loss.