SMOKIN' MARIJUANA: Germans welcome 'freedom' as cannabis use is legalised

(Patria) - Several hundred people gathered last night at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to welcome the entry into force of a new law legalising marijuana. A large crowd of revellers danced to reggae music and waited with lighters held high, ready to light up a joint as soon as the clock struck midnight.

The stage in front of Berlin's landmark was decorated with a large marijuana leaf. Under the new law, smoking cannabis is now legal in many public places.

The law stipulates that anyone over the age of 18 may possess up to 50 grams of marijuana at home and carry a maximum of 25 grams outside the home. Smoking weed is expressly prohibited on playgrounds, in schools, sports facilities, including football stadiums, facilities for children and young people, and within 100 metres of the entrances to these facilities.

Henri Plotke, a member of the German Cannabis Association, said the new law was a "relief" for him, as he no longer has to hide when consuming marijuana and will no longer be considered a criminal. A heated debate on the decriminalisation of cannabis had been ongoing in Germany for years.

VIDEO: Berlin holds 'smoke-in' as recreational cannabis use law comes into force.

Several hundred cannabis enthusiasts gathered at midnight under the Brandenburg Gate to smoke marijuana in public as the new law legalising its recreational use comes into effect on April 1 pic.twitter.com/gULtOS5P55

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) April 1, 2024

Groups of doctors have expressed concern for young people, and conservative politicians believe the liberalisation will further encourage drug use.

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said the number of marijuana users aged between 18 and 25 has doubled in the last 10 years.