According to the UN Drug Control Council (INCB), the planned legalization of cannabis in Germany harbors the risk of increased consumption among young people and a growing black market for this drug. The body that oversees compliance with international drug conventions also noted in its annual report that legalizing recreational cannabis was “incompatible” with those conventions. Only medical and scientific use is permitted.
In their coalition agreement, the SPD, the Greens and the FDP had agreed to make it possible for the drug to be sold in licensed shops to adults for consumption purposes. Cannabis should be grown and sold under state regulations. Growing a few plants yourself should also be allowed.
The coalition argues that this serves to protect youth and health because the quality of cannabis is monitored and the dangers of overdoses are reduced. In addition, the black market and crime are to be curbed.
According to the INCB, these goals have largely not been achieved in other countries and US states where cannabis has already been legalized. The consumption of the drug is higher there than anywhere else, in the USA this also applies to teenagers. “Legalization has not discouraged youth use of cannabis. The black market has been partially restricted, but in some countries it continues to survive and thrive,” the report said. In Canada and Uruguay, for example, young buyers are turning to illegal dealers because they are too young to buy cannabis legally.
