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Expert panel recommends 3.5 nanograms of THC as the limit for driving ability, but a new regulation requires a change in the law.
In the debate about the upcoming partial legalization of cannabis in Germany, a commission of experts from the Federal Ministry of Transport is bringing new regulations for road traffic into play. With a proposed limit value for the active ingredient THC in the blood, the ability to drive of cannabis consumers should be reassessed. This recommendation comes at a critical time, as the partial release of cannabis is imminent and questions are raised about road safety.
Expert panel recommends 3.5 nanograms of THC as the limit for driving ability, but a new regulation requires a change in the law. (Symbolic image) © Pond5 Images/Imago
The proposed limit in blood: 3.5 nanograms of THC
According to the recommendations of the commission, which consists of experts from various disciplines, a limit of 3.5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood serum should be introduced. According to current scientific knowledge, this value corresponds to a concentration at which an impairment of traffic safety cannot be ruled out. To date, there is no legal limit for THC in road traffic, only an established guideline value of 1 nanogram in case law, above which penalties are imposed.
In order to legally anchor the new limit in Germany, a change in the law is required, which must be passed by the Bundestag. This step is essential to make the recommended value binding and represents a direct response to the challenges associated with the legalization of cannabis. However, the regulation should not come into force immediately with the start of cannabis legalization, but requires careful legislative implementation.
Legalization of cannabis in Germany: special regulations for young drivers and during the probationary period
The Commission pays particular attention to young road users and novice drivers. For these groups, she recommends an absolute ban on alcohol while driving a vehicle if cannabis has been consumed. This measure aims to counteract the risks arising from the mixed consumption of alcohol and cannabis and to increase road safety.
The expert commission justifies its proposal with the aim of choosing a conservative and at the same time fair approach. The limit value of 3.5 nanograms is intended to ensure that only those people are penalized who could actually have an impairment of their ability to drive. The recommendation thus takes into account the fact that, with regular consumption, THC can be detectable in the blood for days after the last dose without causing any acute impairment.
Road traffic accidents occur regularly due to the consumption of cannabis and other substances. Most recently, a 26-year-old made headlines because the cyclist fell off his bike in Nordhausen after consuming cannabis and remained unconscious, as NEXTG.tv reports.