Press
The partial legalization of cannabis has met with criticism from Bavaria’s police unions. You see a ‘bureaucratic monster’ approaching the officials.
Munich – The German Police Union (DPolG) and the Police Union (GdP) in Bavaria predict a significant workload for the Bavarian police forces due to the partial legalization of cannabis. Jürgen Köhnlein, the state chairman of the DPolG, describes the law as a “bureaucratic monster” and criticizes the many ambiguities. “We cannot turn a bad law into good administrative regulations,” he told the German Press Agency. “There is discussion in Berlin. But we are called into action.”
Smoking weed in the Bavarian capital – the so-called “Bubatz map” shows where it is legal.
“Sad game”: Strong criticism from Bavaria about the release of cannabis continues
Joachim Herrmann, the Bavarian Interior Minister from the CSU, described the federal government’s legalization of cannabis as a “tragedy” in terms of health and security policy. “The concerns of all the interior ministers and senators of the federal states were simply brushed aside, as was the criticism even within our own ranks.”
Herrmann emphasized that the new cannabis regulations in Bavaria should be monitored as strictly as possible. Prime Minister Markus Söder had previously made a similar statement. The CSU politician emphasized that Bavaria would not be a country for stoners. It was precisely this statement that police unionist Köhnlein criticized: “Söder is putting the authorities and the police in a position where they have to monitor very closely.” However, there was a lack of clear administrative regulations as well as sufficient staff and the necessary instruments.
In the Consumption Cannabis Act there are now significantly more offenses for administrative offenses and criminal offenses than before. “It will be very, very complicated,” says Köhnlein. “There are so many options that come our way that could be controlled and for which we are not even able to carry out the controls.” Additional scales and measuring devices for THC – the active ingredient in cannabis – could be needed.
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Police also criticize the traffic light step – questions regarding road safety
Florian Leitner, the state chairman of the police union (GdP), expects an increase in consumption and a heyday for the black market. He also sees problems with road safety. Since there are no rapid tests, blood must be taken whenever drug-related driving is suspected.
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach defended the partial legalization again on Wednesday. He argued that without action, no improvements can be expected, especially in view of a growing black market and more children and young people using drugs. “We really want to tackle the black market as harshly as possible.” He pointed out that the penalties for criminal donations to children and young people would be significantly increased. That means: “If a 21-year-old regularly gives away goods to 17-year-olds, a prison sentence of no less than two years.”
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Bavarian Health Minister Judith Gerlach is again considering legal action. “After the Federal Council meeting, the final version of the Consumer Cannabis Act and the new protocol statement from the Federal Government are now available,” explained the CSU politician. “Bavaria is examining the documents in detail to see whether there is scope for a lawsuit.” However, about two weeks ago, it had already expressed skepticism about the chances of a possible lawsuit.
The law legalizing cannabis, passed after long debates, marks a turning point in German drug policy. It allows the possession and cultivation of the drug by adults for their own consumption under numerous conditions. From July 1st, non-commercial associations should also be able to start collective cultivation. Federal Council President Manuela Schwesig signed the law on Wednesday and it will come into force next Monday, April 1st.
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The editor Felix Herz wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at his own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.