Browse: Home / , , , / Berlin, Germany, may depenalize up to 1/2 ounce of personal marijuana possession

Click the player in the top right to view this content:

Berlin, Germany, may depenalize up to 1/2 ounce of personal marijuana possession

By "Radical" Russ Belville on May 19, 2010

(Der Spiegel) A new marijuana policy could make it legal for individuals to posses up to 15 grams (0.5 ounces) of the drug in the German capital. The regulation would make Berlin among the most cannabis-friendly in Europe.

German federal law prohibits the possession of marijuana beyond a “small amount” but leaves it up to the states to determine exactly what that amount should be. Most states, including Brandenburg, which surrounds Berlin, define a “small amount” as 6 grams. Until now, Berlin has allowed the possession of 10 grams.

If the proposed measure goes into effect, Berlin’s marijuana laws would be among the most liberal in Europe. In the Netherlands, individuals are allowed to possess just 5 grams for personal use without fearing prosecution. In Belgium, it is 3 grams. The Czech Republic recently passed the most liberal drug laws in Europe, allowing individuals to grow up to five cannabis plants or be in possession of as many as 20 marijuana “cigarettes.”

When I was growing up, Berlin was a symbol of oppression, a huge wall running down the middle of it separating the enlightened West Berlin from the oppressive East Berlin.  Today it seems like Berlin reunified is a symbol of enlightenment* and so many cities here in the “Land of the Free” are symbols of oppression.

*Not just for a tolerant cannabis policy, but for embrace of solar energy, health care for all citizens, and sensible policies regarding prostitution as well.

Twitter Facebook Email Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Snailmail

Posted in , , , | Tagged ,

I am the producer of The NORML Network, the host of the NORML SHOW LIVE and The NORML Stash Blog, and NORML's Outreach Coordinator. I'm married, live in Portland, Oregon, and I am a registered medical marijuana caregiver in this state. I've worked days as an IT geek and nights as a professional musician. Previously, I have been the host of my own political talk radio show on satellite radio. I've been the High Times "Freedom Fighter of the Month" and I travel across the country to educate people on marijuana reform. I've dedicated my life to bringing an end to adult marijuana prohibition and re-legalizing cannabis hemp, and I'm honored to be chosen by NORML to give voice to the Marijuana Nation and to speak for those who can't speak up.

2 responses to “Berlin, Germany, may depenalize up to 1/2 ounce of personal marijuana possession”

  1. Msgt Vance
    Msgt Vance
    April 17, 2012 at 8:12 pm |

    Spent 9 years in thr Air Force in Germany on 2 trips, 70-74, 80-85. The first trip it was no big deal, the First Sgt would put u to work on weekends if he caught you in the barracks.The German police would throw your stash away and let u go. Then the 1970CSA kicked in in early 73 and everything went to hell in a hand basket. They busted every base in Europe to get at those dirty unamerican hippie pot users! Drove many a guy to hard drugs or back to alcohol and destroyed many carrers and families. How I survived and managed 20 yrs with many awards is a miracle tio me! Here’s hoping enough pass full legalization to break the back of our insane prohibitionist policies.

  2. weenerdog
    weenerdog
    May 19, 2010 at 7:01 pm |

    Russ for next week Dr mitch earlywine can we talk about lymes disease. If it sounds interesting and i dont minda speaking let me know..

Leave a Reply

:-) :-| :-( :-D :-o 8-) :-x :-P more »