How do stoners behave in public, and what challenges do they pose for addiction help? First impressions after two weeks of cannabis legalization.
Munich – “I don’t have the impression at all that people are suddenly smoking weed on every corner in Munich,” says Prop managing director Marco Stürmer. The non-profit association supports young people in difficult life situations and people with addiction problems. “The offer ranges from ensuring survival through inpatient treatment options to reintegration into society,” it says on the Prop homepage.
Cannabis legalization in Munich and Bavaria: How did the start go?
Cannabis legalization, which has been in effect since April 1st, is changing the work of the association. “People no longer come to us because of legal requirements,” explains Stürmer, “we may have to find other means of access.” The Prop managing director reports on an initial mood picture from the advice centers. “Our perception is that parents and employees from schools and youth welfare facilities in particular have the greatest need for information. With a view to cannabis legalization, their uncertainty is the greatest so far.” For this reason, three digital parents’ evenings have been scheduled in the coming weeks.
The stoner hotspots feared by members of the Bavarian state government, among others, have not yet established themselves, at least in Munich. “It is obvious that consumption takes place in the English Garden or in the Isar floodplains. “But even before legalization, these were places where weed was smoked.”
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A lot of things continue to happen in the private sector, is Striker's impression. He doesn't want to jump to conclusions two weeks after cannabis legalization. “We’ll have to see how this develops in the next few months.”
Expert on young cannabis consumers: “Continue to expand the offer of help in Munich and Bavaria”
With regard to the “very complex” law, the social worker adds: “Our wish would have been for more resources to be made available for health policy advice if we took this step.” However, he hopes that more people will become involved as a result of decriminalization dare to seek help. “If consumption comes out of illegality, that might take away some people's fears.” His association wants to keep an eye on developments in “young people's living environments” and carry out educational work in schools and leisure centers, at parties and on the Internet.
In recent years, an increase in cannabis users between the ages of 18 and 21 has been observed. “It is therefore important to further expand the offer of help in Munich and Bavaria.” Is smoking pot now becoming “cooler”? It is reported in expert circles that the consumption decision does not depend so much on whether cannabis consumption is permitted or not. The goal for his club remains to reach people with addiction problems as early as possible, says Sturmer. “Then the forecasts are best.”