Bavaria examines lawsuit against cannabis law before Bundestag decision

Ahead of the Bundestag's decision on the legalization of cannabis on Friday, Bavaria has announced a critical review. "Bavaria is continuing to examine whether there are possibilities of a lawsuit against the cannabis law," Health Minister Judith Gerlach (CSU) told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "Bavaria is determined to take a stand against the dangerous use of cannabis should the law come into force."

The aim is to enforce the law as strictly as possible in order to curb recreational use, Gerlach told RND. The plans to set up a central control unit are progressing. In particular, it will issue permits for cultivation associations and subsequently monitor them. "We will also pay very close attention to ensuring that the possession limits are adhered to, that consumption does not take place in prohibited zones and that violations are consistently prosecuted. Bavaria will also continue to invest heavily in addiction prevention."

The legislative plans of the traffic light coalition provide for controlled release with numerous guidelines and rules. Cultivation and possession of certain quantities for personal consumption will be permitted for adults from April 1. Clubs for non-commercial cultivation are to become possible on July 1.

The far-reaching turning point in drug policy has been the subject of controversial debate to date. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) expressed his confidence that the law will be passed. It would then come before the Bundesrat on March 22, but does not require approval.

Lauterbach called the plans an important improvement in drug policy. "With this law, we will achieve a significant reduction in the black market, better protection for children and young people and a safe product for consumers who use drugs and are older." The current policy has failed, as there are more and more users, including young people.

The Federal Government's Drugs Commissioner, Burkhard Blienert (SPD), made a similar statement to RND. "With the cannabis clubs and home cultivation, the demand for the black market will collapse drastically," said Blienert.

The professional association of pediatricians, on the other hand, raised concerns. "We fear that cannabis will be increasingly passed on to children and young people if the substance is legalized for adults," President Michael Hubmann told the Ärzte Zeitung newspaper.