- First participants gather for the hemp parade
The first participants of this year's Cannabis Parade have gathered at the Neptune Fountain on Berlin's Alexanderplatz. Around 250 people were counted by the police in the early afternoon, waiting in a lively and relaxed mood for the start of the demonstration. Cannabis consumption was widespread.
The 28th Cannabis Parade this year is marching under the slogan "Legalization, but right!" through the capital. The protest march is primarily concerned with the cannabis law that came into effect this year, which the organizers of the parade criticize as "insufficient".
The organizers are demanding functional cannabis clubs and the implementation of the so-called pillar 2 of the law. This provides for the establishment of model projects for the sale of cannabis in specialist shops. So far, this is only possible in cannabis clubs, where consumers must be members.
Since April 1st of this year, the possession of certain amounts of cannabis, private cultivation, and consumption of the drug in public have been allowed nationwide for people over 18 under certain conditions. No more than 25 grams may be carried in public, or more than 50 grams stored at home. Three plants are permitted in the living area. Violations can be punished with a high fine.
The legislation allowing cannabis possession and consumption in certain amounts was implemented on April 1st this year. Participants in the Cannabis Parade are advocating for the establishment of functional cannabis clubs and the implementation of pillar 2, enabling the sale of cannabis in specialist shops.
