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Photo: Sebastian Gollnow / dpa
Big “smoking” at the Brandenburg Gate: Numerous people gathered in Berlin for the partial legalization of cannabis that came into force on Monday. A spokesman for the Berlin police told the AFP news agency that they demonstratively lit their "tobacco mixtures" at midnight to great cheers.
According to the police, a total of around 1,500 people celebrated the new freedom at the Brandenburg Gate from midnight onwards, demonstratively lighting up joints and dancing to reggae.
In the future, adults will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis with them and also grow the drug themselves. Up to 50 grams of cannabis are allowed at home, and three plants can be grown for home cultivation. Smoking weed is allowed in public, but not near children and young people, schools, daycare centers, playgrounds and sports fields and not in pedestrian zones during the day. From July 1st, cultivation and distribution via cultivation associations should be possible.
Violations can be punished with heavy fines. Passing on the drug - with the exception of clubs - remains a punishable offense, especially if passed on to minors there is a risk of imprisonment. Cannabis remains prohibited for young people under 18.
Legalization was preceded by decades of debate. During the consultation process on the law that has now come into force, medical associations also expressed major concerns, especially with regard to health risks for children, adolescents and young adults. Cannabis remains legally taboo for people under 18 years of age. The German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, for example, had pointed out that brain maturation is only complete in the mid-20s and that earlier cannabis consumption increases the risk of psychosis.
The law requires that the effects of the release be examined by “independent third parties”. A first report that specifically looks at the effects on child and youth protection and the consumer behavior of children and young people is due to be presented in autumn next year.
Addiction help: more honest conversations possible
The police union (GdP) expects problems with controls after the controversial law comes into force. “Conflicts are inevitable,” said Federal Deputy Chairman Alexander Poitz to the German Press Agency. "We are sure that due to various ambiguities and a lack of legal definitions, there will be clearly noticeable dissatisfaction, insecurities and mistakes among everyone involved." The trade unionist referred to different distance regulations from facilities. In addition, the police lacked items such as precision scales or analysis instruments for checks.
“Cannabis consumption is being taken out of the taboo zone and becomes something that can be discussed,” said Kerstin Ludwig from the Trier Caritas Association. Now it can be dealt with more openly, some people are more likely to come to a counseling center, and the topic is being destigmatized. This also makes more honest conversations with young people about the topic possible, said Ludwig.
sak/dpa/AFP