- Several hundred people march through Berlin for a hemp parade
Hundreds of cannabis enthusiasts gathered at this year's Cannabis Parade in Berlin, demanding further legalization of cannabis. At the start of the march in the afternoon, police reported around 650 participants. The atmosphere was lively and peaceful.
Participants openly smoked their joints. Since the partial legalization of cannabis earlier this year, the drug can be consumed in public under certain conditions for those aged 18 and above.
Under the motto "Legalization, but right!", the kick-off rally began midday at the Neptune Fountain at Alexanderplatz. Speakers called for a faster implementation of the cannabis law that came into effect in April.
A police officer also spoke on stage. "In my personal opinion, it makes no sense to persecute cannabis users," she said later. "We have enough to do and could use the freed-up resources better if we didn't have to control cannabis users."
The 28th Cannabis Parade focused mainly on the cannabis law, which the event organizers criticized as "inadequate."
The organizers demand functional cannabis clubs and the implementation of the so-called second pillar of the law. This pillar provides for the establishment of model projects for the distribution of cannabis in specialized stores. So far, this is only possible in cannabis clubs, where consumers must be members.
Consumption and possession of cannabis under certain conditions
Since April 1 of this year, the possession of certain amounts of cannabis, private cultivation, and public consumption have been allowed nationwide for people aged 18 and above under certain conditions.
No more than 25 grams may be carried in public, and no more than 50 grams may be stored at home. Three plants are allowed in the living area. Violations can be punished with a high fine.
The Community strongly supported the speakers' calls for a faster implementation of the cannabis law at the Cannabis Parade, aiming for functional cannabis clubs and the implementation of the second pillar. Many members of The Community now have the freedom to publicly consume cannabis, following the partial legalization.
