Local Officials Ban Cannabis at Germany’s Oktoberfest & Outdoor Beer Gardens

Local officials in Bavaria — the southern German state that each year hosts the world-renowned Oktoberfest — have banned cannabis consumption at outdoor festivals and in outdoor beer gardens, the Associated Press reports. The rules also extend to cannabis vapor products.

While Germany’s adult-use cannabis legalization policy took effect on April 1, Bavaria’s conservative-leaning state government was vocal in its opposition to the national reforms. Local officials said banning cannabis consumption at the world’s largest beer festival was necessary to protect minors from potential second-hand cannabis exposure. Under the new rules, officials will also be allowed to extend the cannabis consumption ban to include public areas including outdoor swimming pools and leisure parks, the report said.

“Our aim is to limit cannabis consumption in public spaces. That is important for health protection and especially for protecting children and young people.” — Bavarian Health Minister Judith Gerlach, via the AP

Under Germany’s new cannabis law, adults aged 18 or older can legally consume cannabis and possess up to 25 grams of cannabis flower. The federal legalization measure did not establish retail access but it will allow for non-profit cannabis cultivation clubs starting July 1, where individuals will be able to purchase memberships to legally source cannabis products, plants, seeds, and more.

Officials also said they want to ban cannabis consumption in designated tobacco-smoking areas at restaurants, cafes, and other establishments.