Germany Introduces €500 Fine for Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has signed a decree regulating driving under the influence of cannabis, introducing a fine for driving after using marijuana. The new regulation, which comes into effect this week, sets clear penalties for drivers who exceed the legal limit of THC in their blood.
Stricter Penalties for Cannabis and Alcohol Use
According to the new law, drivers in Germany are allowed to get behind the wheel if their blood contains less than 3.5 nanograms of THC per milliliter. Experts from the Ministry of Transport believe this THC concentration poses a similar risk to having 0.2 milligrams of alcohol per milliliter of blood, which is equivalent to drinking 27 milliliters of vodka or 220 milliliters of beer.
Drivers who exceed the legal THC limit will face a €500 fine (about $530) and a one-month suspension of their driving privileges. Those caught using both cannabis and alcohol at the same time will face a higher fine of €1,000 (about $1,060) and also lose their license for a month. New drivers or those under 21 are completely prohibited from using marijuana before driving. Violators in this group will be fined €250 (about $265).
Guidelines for Safe Driving After Cannabis Use
The German Society for Traffic Medicine reports that THC levels in the blood can reach 3.5 nanograms within three to five hours after smoking a single joint. To avoid exceeding the limit, experts recommend that occasional cannabis users wait at least 12 hours after smoking before driving, and a full day after consuming cannabis orally. Regular users may need to wait several days for THC to clear from their bloodstream, as it can be stored in body fat and released over time.
First Marijuana Clubs to Open Soon in Berlin
The new traffic law comes as Berlin prepares to open its first legal cannabis clubs. Recently, city authorities authorized the State Office for Health and Social Services to review applications from cannabis grower associations. This move is expected to pave the way for the official opening of cannabis clubs in the near future.
Social Club Ganderkesee: Germany’s First Licensed Cannabis Club
Cannabis grower associations have been legal in Germany since July 1, but so far only one organization has received a license. Social Club Ganderkesee, which opened in Lower Saxony on July 8, became the first official cannabis club. Under the approved regulations, cannabis grower associations can have up to 500 members who have lived in Germany for at least six months. Club members are allowed to purchase up to 50 grams of marijuana per month. Membership at Social Club Ganderkesee is free, and cannabis is sold at prices ranging from €8 to €12 (about $8.60 to $13) per gram.