Should cannabis be legalized? That's what the experts from Nuremberg say about it

The fact that cannabis has arrived in Germany can no longer be concealed.

But should it be legalized?

The discussion divides opinions ...  

Nuremberg - will Germany allow the consumption of cannabis in the future?

This is currently being discussed, including at the exploratory talks between the SPD, FDP and the Greens.

The Nuremberg * drug advice Mudra emphasizes the correct distinction: "We are not in favor of the legalization of cannabis, but for the controlled release," says the managing director Norbert Wittmann, as 

reported by

.

"Because it is crucial to exercise control and to influence the quality and active ingredient content of cannabis as well as the protection of minors."  

Nuremberg: THC content has risen to over 40 percent in recent years 

While the active ingredient content of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was still five to eight percent, it has now risen to over 40 percent. "This is a dramatic, highly dangerous development because these psychoactive substances can cause serious damage to health," explains the social worker. “The adolescent psychiatric clinics are full.” The highly concentrated THC consumption promotes panic attacks, delusional states, anxiety states and psychoses. 

The addiction officer Andrea Freismidl speaks out to

for an accompanying campaign to educate people.

If cannabis consumption is “de-stigmatized”, offers of help and discussion can better reach those affected.

She wants the state to control the import, quality and sale of cannabis;

Pharmacies and licensed shops should be allowed to sell the intoxicant to people over the age of 18. 

Nuremberg: Does it help if the state controls? 

Will legalization make a drug career easier? The expert is certain that this will not be the case. Studies from other countries, such as the Netherlands or Canada, could not have found that consumption would go up after legalization. "We have to face cannabis consumption, it has been a reality in Germany for decades," says Freismidl. 

The Bavarian Police Union (GdP) is in turn strictly against legalizing cannabis: "We consider the legalization and approval of cannabis to be a dangerous mistake," explains GdP state chairman Peter Pytlik.

From the union's point of view, the intoxicant is still the number one gateway drug.

“It is also a misconception that legalizing a prohibited substance will reduce related crime.

In Canada and Holland the legalization projects have failed. "  

Nuremberg: The police headquarters in Middle Franconia are also against it 

Today Holland has developed into the largest transshipment point for drugs. In Canada, the number of first-time users of cannabis nearly doubled within a year. Pytlik also warns of the consequences in traffic if the drug were to be legalized: "In Canada, one in four cannabis users admitted to having driven under the influence of drugs." 

The Police Headquarters in Middle Franconia also sees cannabis as the start of a drug career. According to the Presidium, the age of first-time consumers has decreased in recent years. “The early first-time use increases the risk of later drug affinity,” it explains. A scientific study has shown that the THC content of both hashish and marijuana has increased significantly in recent years. There is also an observation that cannabis users can develop “neurocognitive disorders”. This has the consequence that attention and the ability to learn decrease significantly and the ability to remember and speak significantly decreases. 

By the way: our Nuremberg newsletter regularly informs you about all the important stories from the Franconian metropolis.

Sign up here.