As of: March 29, 2024, 5:00 a.m
By: Kilian Bäuml
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With cannabis legalization, the rules for drivers are changing. A new THC limit or a different measurement method is under discussion.
Frankfurt – Since the start of the traffic light government, the discussion about cannabis has been intense. As of April 1st, there will be a significant change in cannabis legalization: THC, the intoxicating ingredient, will no longer be legally classified as a narcotic. Although the regulations regarding possession and personal use have been largely clarified, one question remains unanswered in connection with the legalization of cannabis - what about driving under the influence of cannabis?
Cannabis behind the wheel: THC detection is currently difficult
The current limit for drivers is 1.0 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood serum. However, this value is set too low if the German Hemp Association believes that there is still room for improvement in the cannabis laws. The current THC limit is often exceeded hours or even days after consumption. The ADAC has a clear position on the issue of cannabis while driving.
The THC limit for drivers will be set by Transport Minister Volker Wissing and a commission of experts in the spring. (Symbolic image) © dpa/Montage
Cannabis legalization: New THC limits are being discussed
A new limit for THC while driving is to be set this spring. Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) is consulting with a commission of experts. It is expected that the limit for THC will be increased. This is mainly due to the long detection time of the active ingredient. Drivers can currently still be prosecuted, even if their consumption no longer has any influence on their driving behavior. Transport Minister Wissing explained to the
Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung
: “The effect may have disappeared again while the THC content in the body is still present at an increased level.” Wissing added: “We do not have this phenomenon with alcohol.”
Wissing emphasized that “road safety should be the focus”. According to the FDP politician, only those who are “able to completely control it and are not under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants” should drive. The ADAC shares this view. On its website, the ADAC quotes Markus Schäpe, head of the ADAC legal department: “As with alcohol, we need an unambiguous limit that is based exclusively on the effects of cannabis in traffic.”
Road safety after cannabis legalization: Don't increase limits for everyone
The ADAC recommends examining other measurement methods that could be better suited to determining the driving ability of consumers. One such method could be, for example, an analysis of the oral cavity fluid. However,
in a conversation with the editorial network
IPPEN.MEDIA
about the missing rule in the cannabis law, the ADAC emphasized: “We must not experiment with road safety.” There could be a potential danger from consumers who are using cannabis for the first time consume and not know the effect. For these, the ADAC recommends retaining the previously applicable rules.
(kiba/AFP)
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