Commentary on cannabis: Get out of denial of reality

The law partially legalizing cannabis may not be perfect. But it recognizes the reality of a drug policy that has so far failed. Prevention and education help more than criminalization.

The model of a failed drug policy is Görlitzer Park in Berlin. Interior senators of all stripes have tried in vain to stop the sale of drugs there. The demand from a local CDU politician a few years ago to raise the walls and close the park at night illustrates how helpless politicians are here.

But bans were not only ineffective in Berlin. On the contrary, consumption is actually increasing across Germany. It can hardly be disputed that cannabis consumption has already become more and more legalized. Admitting to having smoked a joint is no longer a scandal.

concerns are understandable

Today’s decision therefore only brings about what could also be described as the “normative force of the factual”. Partial legalization with restrictions on possession and cultivation. Specifically, it is 25 grams of cannabis for personal consumption and up to three viable plants, but with particular attention to child and youth protection.

The countries’ concerns are understandable. It is within their competence to monitor the provisions of the law on the street with their law enforcement officers. There is also no denying that cannabis is not as harmless as it is sometimes portrayed in film and pop culture – even for adults.

What would be the alternative?

But these arguments cannot be decisive for abandoning the legalization plans. Because what would be the alternative? That the drug – like other much harder drugs on this occasion – can continue to be bought in dark corners in an uncontrolled manner?

Dealers rarely ask for ID. How high the THC content is and how clean the substance is – that would still be left to chance.

In addition, the law definitely addresses the special importance of prevention and education. This probably has a much greater effect than the further criminalization of consumers who don’t actually belong in court. Today’s law may not be perfect, but it can be a first step out of the many years of denial of reality by many political actors.