In Kehl (Germany),
Chance makes things bad. Of the twenty people interviewed this morning in the streets of Kehl, the German border town of Strasbourg, none said they used cannabis. A bit surprising in a country where, in 2021, more than four million people aged 18 to 64 reported having smoked during the last twelve months!
But, obviously, many had acquaintances accustomed to the famous weed… So, happy with the legalization of cannabis since Easter Monday? “For me, it doesn’t change anything,” replies Noël, a model student with slightly less perfect relationships. “But it’s sure to prevent friends from hiding. For them, it’s cool! »
“Considering all the papers that the cops had to fill out in the event of a check, it’s better that it was authorized,” adds Tom, a Franco-German in the same age group, who “stopped ‘to smoke it’. “It was pretty annoying if you got caught, it could cause a lot of problems. There weren’t that many controls, except in specific places like near the station. »
He admits, he doesn’t stop himself from having a little joint from time to time. It will no longer be very complicated: all German residents over the age of 18 are now entitled to possess 25 grams of it in public spaces and also to grow three plants at home. “After work, instead of a beer… Honestly, it doesn’t hurt anyone. It’s like all addictions, you have to know how to dose it! », Says the young man on the bike.
“Easier to control”
A clear opinion, not necessarily shared… Not by Anna-Lina in any case. “Yes, the cannabis market will be easier to control but I fear that having access to it will push consumption. The youngest could also start earlier,” fears the student.
The German Bundestag, which passed the law, nevertheless set limits. Consumption is prohibited in certain areas and at certain times. Between 7 and 8 p.m. in pedestrian areas and not less than 100 meters from cannabis clubs which will open in July, schools, playgrounds and even gymnasiums.
Sharing cannabis, whether free or not, is also prohibited. In theory, this therefore does not open a new market to neighboring French people. “But they will still come,” assures Elsa, a fifty-year-old who came to look for cigarettes at a lower cost in Kehl. Right next to the same office, a duo in vans is more skeptical. “Why would they come all the way here for this?” No need, they already have everything they need at home! », laugh these construction workers.
” Dangerous for your health “
In the streets of the border town, the other French people interviewed are also divided on the question. “Their legalization is nonsense. I think of my son… He would see people taking it, he could fall in. It’s dangerous for your health,” says Natacha, a forty-year-old. “The world is becoming nonsense, I don’t understand why Germany voted for that,” says William.
“We didn’t come for that today but we think it’s good,” replied Léa and Janaki, two student friends out for a walk, with a smile. “It is time for France to catch up with other countries. In Canada, it’s been authorized since 2018 and it’s going very well… Well, it’s true that it smells a little like weed sometimes! » This was not the case in Kehl this Tuesday… but the smell returned when passing through certain places in Strasbourg.