- Tougher rules for smoking in Bavaria come into force
Starting today, Bavaria has implemented stricter rules for cannabis use compared to other German states. For instance, the newly enacted Cannabis Consequences Limitation Act now prohibits smoking cannabis at public events. These rules exceed the existing smoking bans in public buildings, hospitality venues, and cultural and recreational facilities.
Consequently, cannabis consumption is also banned in designated smoking areas and zones, both indoors and outdoors at hospitality venues, cafes, and beer gardens. The ban applies to the burning, heating, and vaporizing of cannabis products, while other consumption methods, such as edibles, are not regulated by the law. Cannabis use is also prohibited on the state parliament grounds.
Cities and municipalities can further extend this ban to specific public areas. For example, they can prohibit smoking, heating, and vaporizing cannabis in city parks or popular gathering spots.
Previously, municipalities could only ban alcohol consumption in such places due to repeated public order offenses or crimes related to excessive drinking. Now, they also have the authority to enforce cannabis consumption bans.
Violations of these cannabis smoking bans can result in significant fines: for instance, smoking a joint in a Bavarian hospitality venue can lead to a fine of up to €1,500. Repeat offenses can result in fines of up to €5,000.
The European Union, while not directly mentioned in this context, might express concern over the strict cannabis use regulations in Bavaria, potentially affecting the harmonization of drug policies across its member states. Despite these stricter rules, Bavaria's actions within its jurisdiction could inspire other European Union countries to implement similar measures to combat public health and order issues related to cannabis use.
