Cannabis Is Officially Banned at Oktoberfest Despite Legalization
The Bavarian government isn't playing around with the new legalization law.
On April 1, Germany became one of the few countries on the planet that has legalized cannabis for recreational use after a new law went into effect across the country. But one part of the European nation with a famous festival will be imposing some serious restrictions.
The government of the southern German state of Bavaria just announced that it will ban smoking cannabis at public festivals, including the iconic Oktoberfest in Munich, as well as inside beer gardens and other public places like swimming pools and parks. It comes ahead of the second phase of the legalization law, which goes into effect July 1 and will allow Germans ages 18 and older to join so-called cannabis clubs where they can buy marijuana for personal use.
"Our aim is to limit cannabis consumption in public spaces," Bavarian health minister Judith Gerlach said of the decision, per The Associated Press. "That is important for health protection and especially for protecting children and young people."
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The Bavarian government is making the move because public festivals like Oktoberfest often have children and young people present and smoking cannabis near minors is not allowed. And Bavaria's cannabis ban doesn't stop at outdoor festivals and public gathering places; it aims to extend the ban to keep cannabis out of all designated smoking rooms and smoking areas like outdoor tables in restaurants and cafés. It also isn't limited to cannabis flower, as the heating and vaporization of cannabis and cannabis products will also be banned.
Oktoberfest in Munich begins Sept. 21 and ends Oct. 6. If you plan on attending, just stick to drinking to avoid any potential legal issues.