The partial legalization of cannabis will reduce the burden on the police and judiciary in the future. According to Justice Minister Buschmann, there will only be an increase in workload in the short term.
Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP) expects that the partial legalization of cannabis will mean less work for the judiciary and police in the medium term. “The change means a one-off increase in workload, but in the long term the police and judiciary will be relieved,” Buschmann told the editorial network Germany (RND/Montag). “You can then pursue even more relevant crime.”
There are currently more than 100,000 criminal proceedings against cannabis users, Buschmann told the newspaper. This is a sign that the previous cannabis policy has failed. “It placed a heavy burden on the police, public prosecutors and the judiciary, but in reality hardly stopped consumption. Instead, consumers were driven into the hands of dealers with inferior products and hard drugs.”
Police union: Conflicts are inevitable
The police union (GdP) expects problems with controls. “Conflicts are inevitable,” said Federal Deputy Chairman Alexander Poitz to the German Press Agency in Berlin. “We are sure that due to various ambiguities and a lack of legal definitions, there will be clearly noticeable dissatisfaction, uncertainty and mistakes among everyone involved.”
The trade unionist referred to different distance regulations from facilities. In addition, the police lacked items such as precision scales or analysis instruments for checks. Implementing the law will take a lot of effort.
“The burden of implementing the law lies on the shoulders of the states and municipalities. The federal government has ordered, the federal government must pay,” demanded Poitz. He referred to what he said was an urgent need for training and equipment. “It shouldn’t be an obligation of the states to have to raise this money. It will probably be difficult enough to set up the training at all.”
Consumption legal since midnight
Smoking marijuana or hashish has been allowed since midnight. Anyone 18 or older can store up to 50 grams at home and carry a maximum of 25 grams outside. Where it is not explicitly forbidden, smoking weed is allowed. It is prohibited on, among other things, playgrounds, sports facilities, children’s and youth facilities.
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.
