Cannabis law: court ruling and controversy for new consumption!

Cannabis law: court ruling and controversy for new consumption!

In Germany, cannabis consumption has been partially legal since April 1, 2024. This law on partialization came into force after numerous demonstrations by activists who had campaigned for a reform. A current case at the Rockenhausen district court shows that despite the new regulations of excessive consumption, legal consequences can have legal consequences. A man who calls himself a stoner has to answer there.

adults may grow up to three plants in their own apartments and keep a maximum of 50 grams of cannabis at home. However, consumption remains prohibited for those under the age of 18. The Union is already planning to withdraw the law in the event of a possible future government takeover, while the SPD supported it as part of the traffic light coalition. Tagesschau.de reports that addiction researchers are calling for a fundamental discussion about drug and addiction policy, and the union of the police (GdP) has pointed out that the law is inadequate in its current form.

Current developments in cannabis consumption

Police crime statistics already shows a decline of about a third in drug offenses, which many are attributed to the change in the law. Nevertheless, psychiatrists warn of a possible increase in substance consumption and psychological problems, especially among young people. A survey showed that 38% of the respondents pronounced to withdraw legalization, while the same proportion supports the current regulations. It is astonishing that 87% of the respondents have not consumed cannabis since legalization.

The topic of cannabis continues to be discussed intensively. Wastewater analyzes from Stuttgart are part of a scientific examination for cannabis use. From March 2023, the values ​​of Carboxy-THC, a THC mining product, will be measured in the municipal wastewater. This data show seasonal fluctuations in consumer behavior, with an increase in values ​​by over 100% in February 2024, right before the legalization law comes into force. After legalization, the values ​​fell again in the summer of 2024, which indicates an overall moderate increase of 13% since the implementation of the law. tagesschau.de states that despite the concern about an increase in consumption, there is no significant increase.

legal situation and reviews

The legal framework is complex. Under the new law, adults may carry up to 25 grams of cannabis for their own use. Nevertheless, the black market remains active, since legal attachment sources are still missing and the chief prosecutor criticizes the law as ineffective in the fight against it. Legalization leads to more work for the judiciary and the police, although they are still faced with the challenges of the previous illegal markets.

Overall, Germany moves in a new legal and social framework regarding cannabis consumption. While legalization shows some successes, there are still numerous challenges and concerns that may not be ignored in the public debate.