The legalization of cannabis planned for the beginning of April is apparently in danger of failing. Transport and domestic politicians from the SPD have too many concerns about releasing the drug, reports the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”. A majority in the SPD parliamentary group for Health Minister Karl Lauterbach’s (SPD) proposed law is currently questionable. “It is absolutely unclear whether this will happen,” the newspaper quoted an unnamed party source as saying.
According to the report, those with concerns in the SPD, who apparently also include Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, are citing a study by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) on behalf of the Conference of Interior Ministers. It states that legalizing cannabis would result in more tasks and costs for the federal law enforcement and regulatory authorities. The reason for this is additional controls in road traffic, but also in the vicinity of schools and barracks, where the consumption of cannabis remains prohibited. The aim of relieving the authorities through legalization is no longer explicitly stated in the current draft law.
The cabinet had already approved cannabis legalization in August, and the Bundestag was scheduled to vote on it in December. But then the topic fell off the agenda – supposedly so that legalization would not be passed in the middle of the budget dispute. The law should be passed in the new year, coalition circles said. But according to the “Süddeutscher Zeitung” it is highly unlikely that legalization will be on the Bundestag’s agenda any time soon.
The law drawn up by the Minister of Health stipulates that adults can carry up to 25 grams of marijuana or hashish, the two main products of the cannabis plant. It would also be legal to grow up to three plants yourself and to set up cultivation associations that could legally distribute the drug to their members. The Ministry of Health said it was “in intensive discussions with the parliamentary groups,” according to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”. There is hope that the topic will be on the Bundestag agenda at short notice on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, there is opposition to the report from the SPD parliamentary group in the Bundestag. Your parliamentary group continues to strive to pass the law on the legalization of cannabis in the Bundestag “in a timely manner,” said parliamentary group leader Katja Mast to the German Press Agency on Wednesday. “We’re sticking to that,” said Mast. She emphasized that the planning for the proposed law that was drawn up in December remains. “I am confident that this will then be passed.” “Clarifying discussions” are currently taking place.
Sources: Report from the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” / news agency dpa
