Many of us either have fond memories of using cannabis or know someone who enjoys it recreationally. As cannabis becomes more mainstream, helped along by new scientific insights and a general shift away from old stigmas, it’s easy to forget that in many parts of the world, using it recreationally is still illegal and even considered a criminal offense. That said, public opinion is changing, and some governments have started to update their policies to match. Take Germany for example; they have introduced legal cannabis clubs, and it has been a win-win in several ways. Now, with a new proposal to legalize cannabis on the table, Denmark could be the next country to follow suit and reap similar benefits. Let’s take a closer look at what the new proposal entails, how citizens’ proposals are being considered in parliament, and what legalized cannabis could mean for Denmark.
What is the Folketing?
In Denmark, the Folketinget is the heart of the country's democracy. It is the national parliament where laws are proposed, debated and passed. Their main tasks are to review and vote on new laws, monitor the actions of the government and approve the annual state budget. While both the government , which governs the country through its ministries and according to the laws passed by parliament, and individual members of parliament can propose new laws, only parliament itself can officially pass them by vote. On average, they look at around 200 different proposed laws (called Bills) each year.
Laws in Denmark cover a wide range of topics, from how we live and interact with each other to how public services like schools and hospitals are structured. They also set clear expectations for citizens and explain what is legally required, what is not allowed, and what can get you into legal trouble. The idea is that these rules should be crystal clear so that everyone living in Denmark knows where they stand.
There is currently growing support for cannabis reform in Denmark, especially in places like Copenhagen. Most of the city council is in favor of legalization . Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, who was the Lord Mayor of Copenhagen from 2022 to 2024 and is now the Minister of Social Affairs, summed it up well. She said: “For me, there is no doubt that legalization is one of several tools that we need to bring into play to undermine the criminal market. I respect that it is a divisive issue. But I hope that we can now start a nuanced debate.”
With growing political interest and evolving public opinion, Denmark may be preparing for a larger, national conversation about cannabis legalization, possibly following in the footsteps of other European countries such as Germany.
How do you submit a proposal to the Folketing?
In Denmark, citizens have a unique opportunity to directly influence legislation through a platform called borgerfolg . If you are eligible to vote in the general election, you can submit a proposal for a new law or an amendment to an existing law, as long as at least three other eligible voters agree to support it and the proposal meets the platform's guidelines.
Once the proposal is published on the site, it enters a phase of gathering support. If 50.000 eligible voters support the proposal within 180 days, it qualifies to be submitted as a formal proposal for consideration by the Folketinget, Denmark's national parliament. At that point, the proposal is treated like any other proposal, meaning it can be debated and potentially put to a vote.
There are three roles involved in the proposal process:
- Main proposer: This is the person who submits the proposal. As the main proposer, you must publicly stand behind your proposal. Your name, municipality and email address will be visible on the platform. Proposals cannot be submitted anonymously.
- Co-proposer: A minimum of three co-sponsors are required to publish a proposal. Like the main proposer, the co-sponsors must also publicly support the proposal. However, they cannot make changes to the proposal's content.
- Support: Once a proposal is live, anyone eligible to vote can support it. This role is anonymous; your personal information will not be made public at any time, and there are no further obligations. However, once your support is registered, it cannot be withdrawn.
This initiative allows ordinary citizens to engage in democracy in a meaningful way and gives them the tools to bring real issues to the national stage and influence public policy from the ground up, such as the legalization of cannabis.
Do you need access to legal, safe and natural cannabis products? Try CBDanmark.
Now that we’ve looked at how Denmark’s new cannabis legalization proposal came about, it’s helpful to understand why Germany’s approach plays such a big role in shaping it. Germany’s decision to partially legalize cannabis has sparked conversations not just locally but across neighboring countries, including Denmark. It marks a major shift in how one of Europe’s most influential countries chooses to handle drug policy, and it raises an important question: Should Denmark follow a similar path?
As of April 1, 2024, Germany officially legalized possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis and allows citizens to grow up to three cannabis plants for personal use. For the first time in German history, adults can now legally consume cannabis within these limits. This is a big change, and not just for Germany.
Part of this new policy includes the introduction of social cannabis clubs: non-profit organisations where members can grow and share cannabis in small, regulated quantities. These clubs are intended to provide a legal and safe alternative to the black market. Germany's version is heavily inspired by a similar model already in place in Malta, which was the first European country to set up regulated cannabis clubs.
The main aim of Germany's new law is to cut down on the illegal sale of cannabis and take power away from the criminal networks that have controlled the market for so long. When asked about the new legislation, German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach made it clear: The old system didn't work. With consumption rising among young people and a ban that has proven ineffective, he sees regulation as a more realistic and safe solution going forward. For Denmark, Germany's move is a real-world example of what legalization can look like and how it can benefit public health, safety and the legal system in general.
The new proposal for legalizing cannabis like in Germany
Denmark could become the next European country to embrace cannabis reform, thanks to a new citizens' proposal inspired by Germany's recent move towards legalization. The proposal has been put forward by Klaus Trier Tuxen , who makes his case clear: "A majority of Danes want cannabis legalization. Now Germany has shown the way."
But what exactly is being proposed, and how closely does it follow the German model? The bill contains several important changes regarding the possession, cultivation, consumption and distribution of cannabis in Denmark:
- Possession: According to the proposal, adults aged 18 and over will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis in public and keep up to 50 grams at home. This applies to both dried cannabis flowers og hash (a concentrated resin from the cannabis plant).
- Growing at home: The plan will also allow home cultivation. Adults will be allowed to grow up to three cannabis plants for their own use (seedlings do not count). However, the total amount of cannabis kept in the home, whether grown or purchased, must remain within the 50 gram limit.
- Public consumption: Public use of cannabis will still be restricted in certain areas. Specifically, consumption will not be permitted near schools, childcare centres or youth facilities, nor in pedestrian zones between 7.00am and 20.00pm.
One of the most notable parts of the proposal is the creation of non-profit cannabis clubs, also known as associations. Any Danish citizen over the age of 18 can start or become a member of such a club, with a maximum membership of 1.000 people per club. Members would be allowed to grow cannabis collectively and share it with each other, but not for profit, as in the current German model.
Buy cannabis products from other cannabis lovers at CBDanmark.
As part of keeping the system fair and community-focused:
- The work in the associations will generally be unpaid.
- Cannabis may not be sold for profit.
- If a club makes a profit, it must either reduce future membership fees or return the money directly to members.
- Each member could purchase up to 50 grams per month through their club.
To compete with the illegal market, the proposal caps the price at DKK 35 per gram with no upper limit for THC, but the THC content must be clearly labelled. The proposal itself is supported by a coalition of cannabis reform advocates, including the Hemp Party, the Free Hash Movement and the Christianias Kulturforening, with support and guidance from the Alternative political party. Their message is strong: “There is no point in continuing with a prohibition policy that has clearly failed and has cost a lot of money, human lives and unnecessary resources.”
It's not just about recreational use. The proposal outlines several broader goals:
- To undermine the illegal market and take business away from criminal gangs.
- To ensure safer products by removing harmful additives often found in street cannabis.
- Free up police resources to focus on more serious crimes.
- Encouraging medical research and development of cannabis-based treatments.
- Reduce stigma around cannabis use.
- And of course, strengthen public finances.
According to the proposal, legalization could bring in approximately DKK 3 billion per year in government savings and new revenue. In comparison, Germany's estimated gain is DKK 35 billion annually. The Danish figure included in the proposal has a scaled equivalent based on population and market size.
So far, the proposal has gathered over a thousand supporters. However, to reach parliament, it needs 50.000 signatures from eligible voters. If you are interested in supporting it or want to know more, you can view the proposal and support it by clicking here . Whether you are for or against the legalization of cannabis, this proposal opens the door to a larger conversation in Denmark, a conversation focused on public health, safety and intelligent regulation rather than outdated criminalization.
Why is legalizing marijuana a good thing?
The growing conversation about legalizing cannabis in Denmark is not just about changing the law, but about opening up a range of meaningful benefits for the country and its people. Legal cannabis brings more than regulation; it opens up new opportunities for public safety, health, and even the economy.
First, legalization offers Denmark a real chance to reduce the influence of the illegal cannabis market. By creating a regulated and taxed system, the government can not only control the quality of cannabis products, but also ensure that the money does not end up in the hands of criminal organizations. At the same time, fewer people will be arrested or fined for minor cannabis offenses, freeing up police time and resources for more serious problems.
A regulated market also makes it easier to control who has access to cannabis. By enforcing age limits and labeling requirements, Denmark can help reduce underage use while ensuring that all legal cannabis products meet quality and safety standards.
But legalization isn’t just about regulations and revenue, it’s also about health and healing. Cannabis is a complex plant with over 100 active compounds, but the two most talked about are THC and CBD . THC is the compound that gives you the “high,” while CBD has a calming and therapeutic effect without the psychoactive high. CBD is widely used to help manage conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and muscle spasms. It’s also been life-changing for people with rare forms of epilepsy like Dravet syndrome, especially in children, as supported by research from places like Harvard Health.
Additionally, medical cannabis holds great promise for people with chronic pain and neurological conditions. It can help reduce tremors in Parkinson’s disease, ease muscle pain in multiple sclerosis, and relieve discomfort caused by fibromyalgia and endometriosis. Cancer patients also often turn to cannabis to help with nausea and loss of appetite during chemotherapy. Even digestive disorders like IBS and Crohn’s disease are being studied for relief with cannabis.
Mental health is another area where cannabis is gaining attention, especially for people living with PTSD. Veterans and trauma survivors report that cannabis helps ease symptoms like anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks. Some researchers also see it as a potentially safer, non-addictive alternative to opioids, which have a high risk of overdose and addiction.
For Denmark, legal cannabis would not only be a step forward in healthcare; it could help position the country as a forward-thinking leader in wellness and innovation. It also capitalizes on Denmark’s unique cultural history with cannabis, especially in areas like Christiania, while creating space for new jobs, local entrepreneurship, and international partnerships. Countries like Germany are already stepping into the spotlight, showing the world how cannabis can become both a healing resource and a powerful economic driver. With smart, inclusive policies like the new proposal to legalize cannabis, Denmark can follow suit.
At CBDanmark, we are proud to be part of this change in Denmark and Scandinavia. We are dedicated to helping people explore the natural benefits of CBD with products that are organic, lab-tested, and third-party verified for safety and purity. As the country opens up to cannabis-based wellness, we are committed to offering safe, non-addictive options that support your well-being in a natural and holistic way.
THCa Hash – The Nepalese | 28% THCa
CBD Denmark
Works cited
“PROPOSAL FOR LEGALISING CANNABIS LIKE IN GERMANY.” Borgerforslag.dk , 2025, www.borgerforslag.dk/se-og-stoet-forslag/?id=FT-19792&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadZ3r31LMUkOA96F0I1YOve4UjIyWj0tUk5NdJO28uqg3NEyePhPTIaHExQ6g_aem_-aOegWSV6fpZKtSRih_IHQ . Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
“General Instructions for Borgerforslag.dk .” Borgerforslag.dk , 2025, www.borgerforslag.dk/vejledninger/ . Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Grinspoon, Peter. “Medical Marijuana.” Harvard Health Blog , Harvard Medical School, 10 Apr. 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/medical-marijuana-2018011513085.
“Copenhagen Municipality Invites to Debate Meeting on Legalization of Cannabis.” Copenhagen Municipality , 8 Sept. 2023, www.kk.dk/nyheder/koebenhavns-kommune-inviterer-til-debatmoede-om-legalisering-af-cannabis . Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
National Library of Medicine. “Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids.” Nih.gov , National Academies Press (US), 12 Jan. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/.
Sholler, Dennis J., et al. “Therapeutic Efficacy of Cannabidiol (CBD): A Review of the Evidence from Clinical Trials and Human Laboratory Studies.” Current Addiction Reports , vol. 7, no. 3, 25 July 2020, pp. 405–412, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-020-00326-8.
Sullivan, Grace. "Germany Cannabis Laws: What You Need to Know about Social Clubs." CannDelta Cannabis Licensing Consultants , 20 Nov. 2024, canndelta.com/germany-cannabis-laws-what-you-need-to-know-about-social-clubs/.
“The Future of Cannabis in Germany: What to Expect after the 2025 Elections.” Osborneclarke.com , 2025, www.osborneclarke.com/insights/future-cannabis-germany-what-expect-after-2025-elections.
“The Government.” The Danish Parliament , www.thedanishparliament.dk/en/democracy/the-government.
“The Parliament.” The Danish Parliament , www.thedanishparliament.dk/en/democracy/the-parliament.