"Refrain from dangerous drug projects": Bavaria against traffic light plans for cannabis legalization

Is a possible traffic light coalition legalizing cannabis in Germany?

Bavaria is against this project.

CSU Minister Holetschek explains why.

Munich - Bavaria rejects all plans to legalize cannabis.

"At the Berlin coalition negotiations, the warnings of experts should finally be listened to and dangerous drug projects should be abandoned." This is what Bavaria's Health Minister Klaus Holetschek (CSU *) told the German Press Agency in Munich.

The word “decriminalization” may sound positive, but it must be prevented that more people use cannabis.

Traffic light plans for cannabis legalization: Bavaria rejects plans - CSU minister warns

The CSU politician called on the leaders of the SPD *, FDP * and Greens * to drop plans to legalize cannabis.

“The consumption of cannabis must not be played down.

In addition to the risk of dependency development, the risks include negative effects on memory and on learning and thinking skills, ”says Holetschek.

The risk of developing a psychotic illness and other psychiatric illnesses is also increased.

Legalization of cannabis is controversial among the parties.

In the exploratory paper of a possible coalition of the SPD, Greens and FDP, there was no information on this.

FDP and Greens are for a "sale in licensed specialty stores".

The SPD, on the other hand, advocates a “regulated distribution” to adults, initially in model projects that are accompanied by prevention and counseling offers.

Wissing: "Approach the legalization of cannabis carefully"

(By the way: Our Bavaria newsletter informs you about all the important stories from the Free State. Register here.)

Does the traffic light legalize cannabis?

Professor warns urgently

Rainer Thomasius, head of the German Center for Addiction Issues in Children and Adolescents, warned urgently against legalization.

This step would exacerbate mental disorders and health problems, especially among adolescents, said the Hamburg professor of the

: “Countries like the USA, Canada and Portugal that have legalized cannabis show that consumption in connection with legalization is around 30 percent increases and the associated mental disorders are around 25 percent higher than in states without legalization. ”