Overview
- Germany’s new law, which took effect Sunday, bans sales and possession for minors and shuts down online and vending‑machine sales.
- Cartridges over 8.4 grams now fall under a handling ban for new psychoactive substances, while adults may buy up to ten 8.4‑gram chargers per purchase.
- State police and public prosecutors are responsible for enforcement, and the German Medical Association called for frequent checks with firm penalties.
- The law also bans the market placement, trade, and manufacture of GBL and BDO, chemicals used in so‑called knockout drops in assaults.
- A three‑month transition led up to the rollout following earlier local curbs such as Hamburg’s youth sales ban.