The discussion about the planned partial legalization of cannabis continues: around 30 researchers and experts have now written an open letter calling on members of the Bundestag to approve the draft law this week.
Around 30 researchers and experts are calling for it in an open letter to members of the German Bundestag, to agree to the planned partial legalization of cannabis this week. This would “take an important step towards health protection, prevention and social justice,” the letter says Deutschlandfunk reported.
The initiator of the letter, Bernd Werse, head of the Center for Drug Research at the University of Frankfurt, said Deutschlandfunk Furthermore, most relevant experts advocated an end to the prosecution of consumers. Given the many reports from the other side, it was important to him to make this clear. The letter was sent to the traffic light factions and the faction and group leaders of the other democratic parties. The majority of signatories were professors from the fields of law, sociology and psychology.
Final vote in the Bundestag planned for this week
Today, the Bundestag’s Health Committee is finally dealing with the legislative plans. They are expected to be decided by the plenary session on Friday. The law must finally go to the Bundesrat. However, it does not require approval in the state chamber.
The experts’ letter continues: “Experiences from other countries indicate that balanced partial legalization (as provided for in the CanG) will not result in an increase in consumption.” Fears about a strengthening of the profit-oriented black market are also untenable and unrelated to criminological drug market research.
Experts: Law could strengthen drug help work
Threatening punishment doesn’t help anyone – it criminalizes minors just as much as adults, the letter continues. “The current stigmatization often exacerbates psychological problems and discourages people from seeking help. According to the experts, the CanG will “strengthen the work of drug help services and encourage young people and parents to accept professional support earlier in the future.”
There is further criticism of the project from medical associations and domestic politicians from the federal and state governments, among others. The interior ministers of the federal states recently warned in a letter to the traffic light factions about the consequences of the planned cannabis legalization. “Serious negative effects” are to be feared.
Resistance also within the government
There is also resistance within the coalition. The chairman of the Bundestag’s Interior Committee, SPD politician Lars Castellucci, announced that he would vote against the traffic light coalition’s cannabis law in the Bundestag on Friday. “My problem is the lack of protection for minors, the lack of opportunity to control and thus even facilitate criminal activity,” Castellucci told the newspapers of the Bavarian media group. “It’s a risky experiment.”
Criticism also comes from the German Association of Judges (DRB): This will result in “a huge additional burden on the already overburdened criminal justice system,” said the Federal Managing Director of the German Association of Judges (DRB), Sven Rebehn, on Tuesday. The traffic light factions’ proposal also provides for “a retroactive remission of penalties” for cannabis offenses.
Lauterbach defends plans again
Yesterday, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach once again defended the plans against criticism. He said the planned law was “a real step away from a failed cannabis policy.” Deutschlandfunk said. Cannabis consumption will be brought “out of the taboo corner” with partial legalization. In the future, adults will be able to obtain the drug without the black market and without “toxic additives”. After 18 months there will be an evaluation of the new rules. “We can hope that two thirds of the black market will disappear,” said the minister.
The law is scheduled to come into force on April 1st. According to the draft, adults will then be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis. Cultivation and distribution of the drug will be permitted in controlled cannabis clubs from the middle of the year. There should be numerous rules for public consumption, such as banning it within sight of schools, playgrounds, daycare centers and youth facilities. Cannabis remains prohibited for young people up to 18 years of age.
Vera Wolfskämpf, ARD Berlin, tagesschau, February 21, 2024 11:36 a.m