The new Federal Minister of Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, sees great interest among farmers in Germany in the legalization of cannabis. “Many farmers are in the starting blocks to grow hemp,” said the green of the Picture on sunday“As soon as the Bundestag has passed the health minister’s law, agriculture will also cultivate these crops.” The CDU can no longer forbid us to do so, “continued Özdemir with a swipe at the ruling party for the past 16 years.
The traffic light coalition made up of the SPD, the Greens and the FDP is planning a “controlled sale of cannabis to adults for consumption in licensed shops”. This would “control the quality, prevent the transfer of contaminated substances and ensure the protection of minors,” says the coalition agreement. The cultivation of hemp plants has so far been allowed for medical purposes.
Özdemir rejected criticism of the legalization plans of the substance, which had previously been classified as an illegal drug but was still consumed by large parts of the population. “Nobody should smoke their pears away, but I am pleased that the madness of the cannabis ban is finally ending,” he told the newspaper. Anyone who buys from an illegal dealer does not know what is in it and what may have side effects.
“Legalization, as we are now planning, strengthens youth and consumer protection – and it relieves our police, who can concentrate on the black market with hard drugs,” he argued. The police unions have expressed skepticism about this in the past. The Union parties are also strictly against cannabis at the counter and refer to the risks.
“Valued food as much as cars”
The Federal Minister of Agriculture wants to achieve reasonable prices for food and agricultural products. “There must be no more junk prices for food, they are driving farms into ruin, preventing more animal welfare, promoting species extinction and polluting the climate,” said the Green politician. He wanted people in Germany to appreciate their food as much as their cars. “Sometimes I have the feeling that a good engine oil is more important to us than a good salad oil,” criticized the minister. However, food is unlikely to become a luxury. “But the price has to express the ecological truth more strongly,” said Özdemir.
There are three important goals: a safe and good income for the farmers, healthy food for everyone and more animal welfare, climate and environmental protection. The number of livestock in Germany must be reduced: “The number of animals must be based on the available space.” In future, he will direct the investment subsidies towards good keeping conditions in the stables. This is a “win-win for humans and animals”.
“Overall, Germany’s diet is too unhealthy”
In addition, Özdemir is planning stricter requirements for finished products so that people eat more healthily. “Germany’s diet is generally too unhealthy,” complained the Green politician. More than 50 percent of adults are overweight. “The reason for this is too much sugar, fat and salt, especially in convenience foods,” he said. “Politicians have tried for too long to motivate the industry to reduce these ingredients with voluntary commitments. That is over now. With me there will be binding reduction targets,” Özdemir made clear.
The Minister of Agriculture is also aiming to expand the area of organically tilled fields by 2030 from just under ten percent to 30 percent at present, and to “use the state’s buying power”: catering in public institutions should be converted to more regional and organic products. “The state must be a role model.”