The interior ministers of the federal states warn in a letter to the traffic light factions about the consequences of the planned cannabis legalization. “Serious negative effects” are to be feared. The medical association is also concerned.
The interior ministers of the federal states fear that legalizing cannabis will increase organized crime. A letter from the Conference of Interior Ministers states: “The current draft law massively facilitates the illegal trade in cannabis and hardly weakens its attractiveness.” The letter is there ARD capital studio The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung initially reported on the paper.
The concern is that once cannabis is legal, more people will use cannabis. The ministers fear that this would make the market larger and even more attractive for criminals, citing the assessment of criminal police experts. There is already a strong illegal trade in cannabis that operates worldwide from Germany.
Lauterbach wants to weaken the black market
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, however, believes that cannabis legalization will weaken the black market. “We make cannabis available without the negative influences of the black market and only to a very limited extent,” Lauterbach told the Rheinische Post.
The traffic light government’s bill stipulates that in the future adults will be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for their own consumption and can grow three cannabis plants at home. In addition, clubs with up to 500 members should be allowed to grow cannabis together. “If consumption is going to happen, then it’s better to do it from a cooperative with clean cannabis rather than through dealers,” hopes the Health Minister.
More accidents and health Follow
The state ministers find clear words in the direction of the traffic light factions: “In view of the current challenges of our time, we consider the legalization of a drug to be irresponsible.” The interests of individual groups should not take precedence over the common good.
There is also criticism with regard to the impact on road traffic. “There will inevitably be more traffic accidents with minor as well as serious consequences that can be traced back to the influence of cannabis.” The interior ministers also warn of health consequences, especially for children and young people, and point to criticism from medical associations.
On Friday, the German Medical Association once again expressed criticism. Doctors President Klaus Reinhardt warned of far-reaching consequences. Instead of legalizing cannabis, Reinhardt advocates for prevention measures and educational work.
Projects from the Coalition agreement
It was actually planned that the Bundestag would pass the law on cannabis legalization next week so that the first stage of legalization could come into force in April. However, the vote is not yet on the agenda for the coming week of the meeting.
With the law, the three traffic light parties want to implement a project from the coalition agreement, which the FDP and the Greens in particular have pushed for. The draft law was passed by the Federal Cabinet last August and has since been changed several times by the parliamentary groups.