According to the ideas of the traffic light coalition (Ampel-Koalition), there may soon be a change in Germany’s drug laws that would allow the procurement, possession, and cultivation of cannabis with certain limitations. Although the project’s supporters contend that decriminalization is long overdue, detractors raise worries about possible dangers. Central Hesse Police Chief Torsten Krückemeier expects more difficulties for law enforcement, particularly in the Gießen area.
The potential for cannabis to become essentially legal for adults as early as April, subject to certain restrictions, is a turning point in German drug policy. The legislation is still being passed, and there are still some questions about how it will actually be put into practice. Cannabis consumers are optimistic that they will soon be able to smoke their first legal joint, even in the Gießen district. Proponents emphasize that using legal substances like alcohol and tobacco has considerably more detrimental physical effects. Nonetheless, the police force’s enthusiasm is constrained because they anticipate great difficulties in adjusting to the new regulations.
Legalization of marijuana: difficulties for the police
The task of performing traffic inspections is one of the anticipated challenges. According to Krückemeier, “Unlike alcohol, we don’t have firmly defined limits, which science has not been able to provide us with yet.” The proposed regulation states that the Ministry of Transport will establish THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) limitations based on science, which is important information to know before driving. Experts point out that determining the exact correlation between THC concentration and reduced driving abilities in comparison to alcohol is difficult, making the current estimates contentious. In 2022, the German travel Court suggested raising the THC level for vehicular travel. According to Krückemeier, “As a consumer, you might not feel the effects as much and find it difficult to assess the impact.” He also brings up the possibility that professionals using cannabis, including bus drivers and even police officers, may be impaired.
After legalization, Krückemeier predicts that it will be much harder for the police to “detect and sanction offences during checks.” According to the plan proposed by the Ampel coalition, adults would be permitted to possess and transport up to 25 grams of cannabis. In public, Krückemeier remarks, “I could move around with a small amount.” He does, however, draw attention to the possibility that those in possession of greater amounts could abuse this allowance.
Supporters of legalization contend that it would greatly alleviate the judges and police. Currently, “small quantities” of cannabis frequently result in the dismissal of investigations into violations of the Narcotics Act. It is argued that by not initially pursuing possession of smaller amounts of cannabis, law enforcement might save a significant amount of paperwork. However, detractors alert us to the increased attempts being made to regulate activities like distribution and cultivation through “social clubs.”
Remarks regarding the matter
The Chief of Police concurs with this viewpoint, saying:
“There is still a lot of work that goes into each check. Furthermore, it is imperative to consistently confirm if all aspects are in compliance with applicable laws.”
He thinks legislators would be more successful if they streamlined the current procedural rules.
There is disagreement over how much decriminalization and partial legalization can stifle the black market. The legislation’s proponents contend that by enabling users to get controlled cannabis through new clubs rather than depending on dealers, it will improve public health. Krückemeier argues that “I don’t think legalisation will succeed in curbing the current criminality associated with cannabis consumption, as attempted in the Netherlands with partial legalisation and ‘coffee shops’.”
In addition, he raises concerns about the lack of adherence to pediatricians’ cautions against legalization, highlighting the necessity of increased preventative measures. Medical groups are concerned about the potential rise in teen cannabis use and the effects of the drug on mental health, even if the traffic light coalition’s plans call for the continued restriction of cannabis use by minors.
In conclusion, the police will eventually need to adjust to the new cannabis laws, regardless of the criticism. For the time being, it is unclear where this voyage will end.