The Traffic Light Coalition is pushing for limited legalization of cannabis for adults. Now Parliament has the floor. Criticism comes from Bavaria.
Before the Bundestag’s decision on Friday to legalize cannabis, Bavaria announced a critical review. “Bavaria is continuing to examine whether there are options for legal action against the cannabis law,” said Health Minister Judith Gerlach (CSU) to the Editorial Network Germany (RND). “Bavaria is determined to take a stand against the dangerous consumption of cannabis should the law come into force.”
The aim is to enforce the law as strictly as possible in order to curb consumption for recreational purposes, Gerlach told the RND. Plans to set up a central control unit progressed. In particular, it should issue permits for cultivation associations and later monitor them. “We will also pay close attention to ensuring that the upper possession limits are adhered to, that no consumption occurs in prohibited zones and that violations are consistently prosecuted. In addition, Bavaria will continue to invest intensively in addiction prevention.”
The traffic light coalition’s legal plans provide for controlled release with numerous specifications and rules. Cultivation and possession of certain quantities for personal consumption should be permitted for adults from April 1st. Clubs for non-commercial cultivation should be possible on July 1st.
Lauterbach confident
The far-reaching turning point in drug policy remains controversial until the very end. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) expressed confidence that the law will be passed. It would then come before the Federal Council on March 22nd, but it does not require approval.
Lauterbach called the plans an important improvement in drug policy. “With this law we will achieve that we will significantly reduce the black market, that we will better protect children and young people and that we will have a safe product for older consumers.” The current policy has failed because there are more and more consumers, including young people.
The federal government’s drug commissioner, Burkhard Blienert (SPD), made similar comments at the RND. “With the cannabis clubs and self-cultivation, the demand for the black market will drop dramatically,” said Blienert.
The professional association of pediatricians, however, expressed concerns. “We fear that cannabis will increasingly be passed on to children and young people if the substance is legalized for adults,” said President Michael Hubmann of the “Ärzte Zeitung”.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
