"Some Germans drink beer after work. We just want to smoke cannabis," says Marcel Ritchel, who celebrates that his traditionally beer-making and consuming country is moving toward legalizing the use of cannabis. German authorities announced the partial decriminalization of marijuana use starting April 1, despite police warnings about the accompanying harms. According to the BBC, they met Marcel Ritchel in the Neustadt area of Dresden, where even before the recent decision to relax cannabis regulations, finding people smoking cannabis in public was not difficult, as in other parts of the country.
This was one of the arguments made by supporters of decriminalization, as millions were smoking cannabis before the decision, which they claim will help eliminate the black market and improve quality control. Starting April 1, the BBC reported in a news piece it described as not an "April Fool's," individuals over 18 can possess up to 25 grams of cannabis in public. Adults may grow up to three plants per household. However, smoking cannabis will not be allowed near schools or sports centers or in "pedestrian areas" from 7 AM to 8 PM. Clubs may cultivate and distribute the drug on a completely non-profit basis, but consumption on-site will not be permitted.
On the other hand, opponents of the controversial decision point to numerous restrictions and complexities within the new legislation, considering that April 1 will mark the beginning of a "chaotic phase" in Germany. Alexander Poitz from the German Police Union states, "We expect the black market will be strengthened." The security official believes that demand will quickly exceed legal supply, given that home cannabis cultivation requires persistence and care, while it will take months before cannabis clubs can start operating. In the long run, it is claimed that criminal networks will adapt and even "infiltrate" social clubs during the enforcement of the law, which will be a "huge" task to manage.
Additionally, there is a concern about how police will distinguish between consumers and dealers, as the law permits individuals to possess up to 25 grams of the drug, enough for dozens of cigarettes. Groups such as the Permanent Committee of European Doctors have expressed concerns that cannabis can be addictive and negatively affect mental health. The committee's vice president, Professor Ray Wally, states that the new measures "will increase usage and health-related harms, especially among young people." Given that individuals under 18 cannot benefit from the new laws, it is believed that many young people will still turn to drug dealers.
