WJEC Criminology | Germany Changes Marijuana Laws

As of April 1st 2024, the possession of, and growing of Cannabis was decriminalised in Germany.

Known for its beer consumption, Germany has been in the news recently regarding this significant and controversial change to its drug laws. The changes are being implemented in a phased manner, beginning April 1st 2024, where over 18s can possess up to 25 grams of cannabis in public and adults can grow up to three plants per household.

However, there are restrictions on where cannabis can be smoked, including near schools or sports centres.
From July 1st 2024, growers associations (described in some news articles as gardening clubs for cannabis) will be allowed to establish, with up to 500 members, and can grow and distribute cannabis on a
strictly non-profit basis. This change aims to address the black market where cannabis is sold unregulated, and therefore a ‘dark figure of crime’ is not included in official statistics. The aim is to reduce this hidden market and protect young people by reducing the spread of contaminated cannabis.

However, one BBC News article suggests that criminal networks could ‘infiltrate’ the social clubs, which would not be the desired effect. There are also questions about how the specifics of this new legislation will be monitored and enforced.

This is a useful example to explore when considering the public perception of crime in Unit 1, including
decriminalisation. Students could consider how this may change views of crime held by members of the
public, and how this may be influenced by media reporting. In Unit 2, this example can be used to explore social and legal definitions of crime and deviance. Seeing a specific drug decriminalised in real-time allows us to follow the implementation and effects of this change, and can prompt students to consider and discuss the potential changes to social definitions, especially as some media coverage expresses concerns over the safety of this move, and the education and training needed to adapt.

REFERENCES

https://www.bbc.com/news/world... https://www.theguardian.com/wo...