Federal Drug Commissioner: Six gram limit required for cannabis

Possession of up to six grams of cannabis should in future only be considered an administrative offense and not a criminal offense. This is what the federal government’s drug commissioner, Ludwig, calls for. This would also reduce the burden on the police and the judiciary.

The drug commissioner of the federal government, Daniela Ludwig, advocates prosecuting cannabis possession up to a personal use limit of six grams as an administrative offense – and no longer as a criminal offense. “In my opinion, a limit of six grams would be acceptable – nationwide,” Ludwig told the editorial network in Germany. Such a limit value has “a certain signaling effect and an influence on consumer behavior”.

In most federal states, the possession of up to six grams of cannabis is usually not prosecuted. In some countries, higher limits also apply. However, the amount of 15 grams tolerated in Berlin was “clearly too high,” said Ludwig. There were more young people smoking weed than anywhere else in Germany.

Enable drug checking

Ludwig recommended that the Union seek a compromise with future coalition partners after the federal election. “It is clear that cannabis is not as dangerous as cocaine or heroin. It is also true that it has to be about different, better sanctions and about relieving the burden on the police and the judiciary,” she emphasized. As in Portugal, consumers should be able to choose whether to pay a fine or undergo addiction counseling.

Ludwig also called for so-called drug checking to be allowed in Germany in the future. Consumers can have drugs analyzed for possible contamination. “Drug checking is harm reduction and can save lives,” she said. Unfortunately, she has so far not been able to enforce this demand.

Criticism of a lack of control in online gambling

On the subject of gambling, Ludwig accused the federal states of undermining efforts to combat addiction by uncontrolled approval of online gambling. “My worst fears have been confirmed. The advertising is omnipresent, but nobody monitors compliance with the rules.” The requirements for player and youth protection are often simply ignored. “This is really a setback for the fight against addiction.”

Since the new State Treaty on Gambling came into force on July 1st, online gambling has been legal throughout Germany. However, the planned supervisory and control authority is not yet operational. Ludwig also called on the states to improve the content of the treaty.