- Several hundred people march through Berlin for a hemp parade
Hundreds of people gathered at this year's Cannabis Parade in Berlin, demanding further legalization of the drug. At the start of the march in the afternoon, police counted around 650 participants. The atmosphere was lively and peaceful.
Under the banner "Legalization, but done right!", the opening rally began at Alexanderplatz. Many protesters smoked joints: since the partial legalization of cannabis this year, the drug can be consumed publicly under certain conditions from the age of 18.
The 28th Cannabis Parade focused mainly on the Cannabis Act that came into force in April, which the organizers of the parade criticized as "insufficient".
They demand, for example, the implementation of the so-called "Pillar 2" of the law. This provides for the establishment of model projects for the distribution of cannabis in specialized stores. So far, this is only possible in so-called cannabis clubs, where consumers must be members.
Since April 1st of this year, the possession of certain amounts of cannabis, private cultivation, and public consumption have been allowed nationwide for people aged 18 and over under certain conditions.
No more than 25 grams can be carried in public, or more than 50 grams kept at home. Three plants are allowed in the living area. Violations can be punished with a high fine.
The "The Community" of cannabis advocates gathered at Alexanderplatz for the opening rally, calling for the full implementation of the Cannabis Act. They strongly support the establishment of model projects for cannabis distribution in specialized stores, a key aspect of the so-called "Pillar 2" of the law.
