The Hanfparade, Germany’s largest and most renowned cannabis legalization demonstration, has a rich and storied history that dates back over two decades. This year, 2024, marks a significant milestone as it is the first Hanfparade to be held in a Germany where cannabis is legal for recreational use. The time and date is 10th of august 12:00 at Alexanderplatz in Berlin.
The origins of Hanfparade
The Hanfparade began in 1997 in Berlin, initiated by activists and supporters of cannabis legalization. The aim was to push for the recognition of cannabis as a useful plant and to advocate for the reform of cannabis laws. Over the years, it has grown from a small gathering of enthusiasts to a major event attracting thousands of participants from all over the world.
Growth and impact
Throughout its history, the Hanfparade has been a vibrant blend of political demonstration, cultural celebration, and educational event. It has featured speeches from politicians and activists, live music, floats, and informational booths about the benefits of cannabis and the harms of prohibition. The parade has played a crucial role in maintaining public discourse around cannabis legalization in Germany.
In its early years, the Hanfparade attracted modest crowds, with a few thousand participants. However, as the movement gained momentum, the numbers swelled. By the mid-2010s, the Hanfparade regularly drew between 10,000 to 15,000 attendees each year. The 2019 Hanfparade saw a record turnout of approximately 20,000 people, highlighting the growing support for cannabis legalization in Germany.
One of the Hanfparade’s significant achievements was its role in influencing the medical cannabis laws passed in 2017, which allowed for cannabis to be prescribed for therapeutic purposes. This was a major step forward, driven in part by the persistent advocacy seen at the Hanfparade over the years.
2024: The first year of legalization
This year’s Hanfparade is especially noteworthy as it is the first to take place in a Germany where cannabis is legal for recreational use. In March 2024, the German government enacted legislation that permits the regulated sale and possession of cannabis for adults. This landmark change follows years of debate and represents a major shift in drug policy in the country.
The theme of Hanfparade 2024 is “Celebrate Legalization!” Reflecting on the long journey to this point, the parade will not only celebrate the legislative victory but also emphasize the need for ongoing efforts to ensure fair and equitable implementation of the new laws. The parade will highlight issues such as the expungement of past cannabis-related convictions and the importance of ensuring that the benefits of legalization reach all communities.