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Stuttgart (dpa / lsw) - The state office for addiction issues welcomes the relaxation planned by Grün-Schwarz in the possession of cannabis in small quantities.
"That is a necessary adjustment to the reality," said Christa Niemeier, consultant for addiction issues and prevention of the state office, the German press agency.
For large circles, cannabis is part of recreational and pleasure consumption.
"We have to get away from the criminalization of consumers."
A focus solely on problematic consumption among adolescents would not do justice to the facts.
In the coalition negotiations, the Greens and the CDU had agreed that in future the possession of up to ten grams of cannabis should be considered personal use and then not have to be prosecuted.
Until now, the limit was six grams. However, the upper limits, which differ from state to state, can no longer be communicated, emphasized Niemeier.
Even if cannabis has a much more intense effect than 20 years ago because of breeding, the drug should not be demoned per se, said the expert.
"Cannabis as a gateway drug is a myth, more factors have to come together to create harmful addictions."
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In the long term, subject to an amendment to the federal law, a state levy to certified bodies is desirable - with strong youth protection, which must work better than with alcohol.
A tax only from the age of 21 and awareness campaigns are essential.
The physical and psychological consequences of smoking hashish cannot be denied, said Niemeier.
"It's like with alcohol - some become dependent, others not, but especially at an early age, restlessness, concentration problems, depression, lack of drive are possible with withdrawal."
A 30-year-old who smokes a joint on the weekend, on the other hand, does not expose himself to any great danger.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210510-99-535035 / 2
State office for addiction issues