BERLIN (AP) — You can get drunk at Bavaria’s famous Oktoberfest, but don’t get high.
The southern German state will ban cannabis smoking at public festivals, in beer gardens and even at Oktoberfest, the world’s most popular beer festival, the state government announced on Tuesday .
Local authorities in Bavaria will also be allowed to ban cannabis consumption in public places such as outdoor swimming pools and leisure parks like Munich’s Englischer Garten, German news agency dpa reported.
“Our goal is to limit the consumption of cannabis in public spaces,” said Bavarian Health Minister Judith Gerlach. “This is important for the protection of health and in particular for the protection of children and young people.”
Bavaria’s move comes after Germany legalized the possession of small amounts of recreational cannabis across the country earlier this month.
The conservative-led state government of Bavaria has particularly spoken out against the partial legalization of cannabis.
Germany’s new national rules took effect April 1, legalizing adult possession of up to 25 grams (nearly an ounce) of marijuana for recreational purposes and allowing individuals to cultivate up to three plants for their personal use.
A second part of the legislation, under which German residents aged 18 and over will be allowed to join non-profit cannabis growing clubs from which they can purchase marijuana, comes into force on July 1.
In its strict interpretation of the cannabis law, the Bavarian state government also wants to ban cannabis smoking in designated smoking rooms and smoking areas, such as outdoor areas of restaurants and cafes.
The ban will also extend to heating and vaporizing cannabis and cannabis products, dpa reported.
The Bavarian state government says the ban on weed consumption at public holidays, including Oktoberfest, is necessary because consumers are not allowed to smoke cannabis near minors and children and young people are regularly present there.
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