In recent developments, a coalition of diverse organisations, including medical associations, law enforcement, and educators, has vehemently opposed the proposed Cannabis Act put forth by German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. In a bold move, these groups, united in their concern for the well-being of the nation’s youth, have collectively penned a letter urging members of the Bundestag to reject the contentious legislation.
Opposition: letter to Bundestag
The letter is titled “Aus Verantwortung für unser Land – die geplante Cannabis-Legalisierung stoppen” (From Responsibility for Our Country – Halt the Planned Cannabis Legalisation). It underscores the urgency felt by the signatories in preventing what they label a “drogen politische Bankrotterklärung” (drug policy bankruptcy). The coalition comprises heavyweight entities. These are: the German Medical Association, the Police Union, the Association of German Criminal Investigators, the German Teachers’ Association, and several other medical societies.
At the forefront of this opposition is Klaus Reinhardt, President of the German Medical Association, who emphatically states that approving the proposed Cannabis Act would be a disservice to the youth of Germany.
According to Reinhardt, legalizing cannabis is a really reckless decision rather than a measure to protect children. He contends that the government is failing in its responsibility to safeguard the nation’s youth by legalizing the substance, which is known to be addictive and perhaps detrimental to the development of teenagers and young people.
In an effort to persuade Bundestag members not to approve the Lauterbach Plan, the letter provides five important warnings. First of all, it claims that legalizing cannabis goes against global agreement and endangers the health of the next generation. The letter cites an International Narcotics Control Board report from the UN and argues that legalization tends to reduce risk perception, which increases usage, especially among youth.
Protection of minors in new cannabis laws
Second, the group contends that the measure under consideration does not improve protection for children and young people. They criticize the bill’s convoluted and unworkable provisions. Opponents claim that it would normalize cannabis use in the eyes of kids and teenagers.
The inability of the Cannabis Act to stop the black market is emphasized in the third point. Opponents claim that it might expand the illegal cannabis industry, especially for young people. The fourth caution states that the proposal would not lessen the workload for law enforcement and the courts. Since there would be more complicated rules and possible legal issues, the effort would actually grow.
The last appeal favors a strong stance opposing legalization and calls for refocusing efforts on improving cannabis-related education and prevention. According to the partnership, organizations such as the Federal Centre for Health Education may be crucial in this context.
The German Judges Association has also added its voice to the clamor of opposition. They worry that the legislation under consideration would grow an enormous bureaucracy, which would go against the government’s present efforts to cut back on public spending and simplify procedures.
In the upcoming year, the SPD faction intends to push the measure through. Thus, the increasing resistance highlights the necessity of doing a thorough and impartial analysis of the proposed Cannabis Act. They wish to take into account the possible effects on law enforcement, public health, and the general well-being of society. In the upcoming months, the bill’s controversy is probably going to get hotter.