As hundreds marched through Berlin in favour of cannabis legalisation, opponents of the coalition government’s “Ampel-Plan” have become less quiet. On the eve of the planned cabinet discussion over cannabis legalisation, a heated argument has broken out. The Ampel-Plan may not lessen the load on the judiciary and may not be able to stop the black market, according to the German Judges Association (Richterbund), the newest voice to express doubt.
Critics about proposed cannabis law
The critique of Richterbund resembles broader concerns as the Coalition of Social Democrats (SPD), Greens, and Free Democrats (FDP) strive to alter cannabis legislation. The idea calls for decriminalising cannabis growing and possession within defined parameters. In particular, adults over the age of 18 would be authorised to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis, and a maximum of three plants might be grown for personal use.
The Ampel-Plan, however, opposes free market sales and instead proposes that cannabis be grown and marketed in specially designated “Cannabis Clubs” that adhere to stringent rules.
Bundesgesundheitsminister (Federal Minister of Health) Karl Lauterbach has anticipated minimal revisions to the idea as the cabinet is scheduled to examine it next week. The specifics are still unknown, though. However, the Deutscher Richterbund has maintained its scepticism, claiming that Lauterbach’s objectives are not being met by the proposed strategy.
The complexity of the law under consideration raised worries from Sven Rebehn. He is the Richterbund’s Federal Executive Director and suggested that rather than reducing the load of judicial officials, it would increase it. Rebehn said that the complexity of the law might result in greater bureaucratic monitoring. It mights also cause a spike in legal conflicts, and a significant rise in court proceedings.
Another doubts about cannabis law
Despite these reservations, the Federal Ministry of Health has claimed that the anticipated legalisation of cannabis might result in annual savings of more than one billion euros by reducing the workload on courts, law enforcement, and prisons.
The government’s viewpoint on this issue is based on the idea that the current method of cannabis control hasn’t worked. The proposed legislation seeks to increase youth protection, lessen the influence of the black market, and reduce the criminal element. In addition, Lauterbach has committed to launching a preventive effort to spread knowledge about the possible dangers of cannabis use.
However, the Federal Executive of Richterbund is still sceptical about the cannabis Ampel-Plan’s potential for successfully decreasing the black market. He emphasised that the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis would be legal. However, the obstacles related to cultivation and club membership might increase demand on the illegal market.
Roman Poseck, the Christian Democratic Union’s (CDU) Hessens Justizminister, also emphasised the initiative of the Ampel-Coalition’s project’s severe legal concerns. He questioned whether the new bill would comply with rules set forth by the European Union.
What do the people expect?
The political and legal discussion continues. Thus, Berlin’s streets came with the calls of cannabis advocates during the annual “Hanfparade” (Hemp Parade). The event saw a gathering of hundreds of supporters. Since 1997, the “Hanfparade” has taken place annually, demonstrating the enduring demand for legislative change in cannabis policy.