A small joint smoked in peace on the banks of the Rhine, in the heart of the Jardin des Deux Rives… In a few months, more probably two years at the most, this scene could become reality in Kehl, the border town opposite Strasbourg .
On Wednesday, Germany took a further step in this direction. The process of legalizing recreational cannabis has been initiated with the adoption of a bill by the Council of Ministers. It must now be debated by parliament for a promulgation mentioned by the summer of 2025. With, as novelties, the possibility of buying and possessing up to 25 grams of cannabis from the age of 18. But also to grow up to three plants at home…
“There are still many points to clarify,” cuts a pharmacist from downtown Kehl. In particular, she does not know if the sale of the precious grass will come back to her. “For therapeutic use, we already deliver it. But there, it is not the same thing! We don’t sell alcohol, no cigarettes, it’s not our role! And why not distribute the aperitif too? she smiles.
Dedicated stores, with licenses, could be in charge of this particular trade. Not the tobacconists, already very numerous in this town of 38,000 inhabitants of Baden-Württemberg. So much the better according to Shaïma, manager of one of them. “I am against this legislation. I don’t want these customers at home, it scares me, ”she explains between two French buyers, who are still crowding across the Rhine to take advantage of the advantageous tobacco prices. Like those of hygiene products, beauty, certain food products, even to play in casinos.
The mayor of Kehl worried
Precisely, could the sale of the famous hemp create an additional influx? The mayor of Kehl, Wolfram Britz, has already expressed fears about this. This had prompted him, at the end of 2022, to send a letter to the German Minister of Health. It was then co-signed with the city councilor of Strasbourg, Jeanne Barseghian, in order to have details on this programmed legalization.
“We did not have an answer”, indicates Alexandre Feltz. The public and environmental health assistant in the Alsatian capital is not necessarily worried about the future situation and especially hopes that the two countries will agree. “France has one of the most repressive laws in Europe on cannabis which I do not support. Many studies prove that organizing consumption allows more means for prevention and treatment. With the German example, perhaps France will finally look into this question. It is not up to Strasbourg to assume this archaic policy. »
Nevertheless, the news of free consumption, certainly not in direct proximity to schools, playgrounds, etc., could tempt some to cross a bridge… “Seriously, it’s crazy! “says Nathan, surrounded by his Alsatian friends with whom he came to stock up on tobacco. “Those who like to smoke will no longer need to hide. Plus, it’ll reduce traffic and maybe lower prices. It will be like in Spain or the Netherlands. »
“It will be good for those who consume it. It is certain that the people of Strasbourg will all come here to be quiet, ”joins Alex, crossed in front of the same store. Maxime, who presents himself as a “non-smoker of weed”, already sees a harmful repercussion for his crossings devoted to tobacco purchases. Often well above the cartridge per person tolerated. “It could suck for border controls…”
“It won’t change anything”
“They already come for cigarettes and shopping, it won’t change anything if it’s also for cannabis”, relativize in the same voice Clara and Yannick, waiters in a terrace bar in the city center. A little far from other places, more out of sight, where non-legal products are already smoked according to some. “Frankly, we will not see too much difference after legalization. Kehl has already been like this for years, ”regrets a fifty-year-old.
“In any case, people who want to consume cannabis already do so”, puts Pauline into perspective. “Whether in Germany or France, I am in favor of legalization, it would avoid a lot of problems. Except perhaps at the border between two countries with such diametrically opposed policies…