As of: February 24, 2024 8:40 a.m
Cannabis consumption was previously prohibited, but now it will be legal – this was decided by the German Bundestag on Friday. Critics say it is a poorly made law and dangerous, especially for young people. However, supporters believe it is the right step – and that’s how Jörn Straehler-Pohl sees it in his comment.
Germany is becoming a little more normal with the Bundestag’s cannabis decision. Because now something becomes legal that millions of people in Germany and thus thousands of Hamburg residents have already done occasionally or regularly: smoking weed on the weekend or after work – just like others drink their beer after work.
Young people could now be even better protected
And I believe this new normal can also help us protect young people from cannabis better than before. Until now, we have hardly been able to talk openly about the dangers of smoking weed. Because smoking weed was forbidden anyway. But now we can say to a young person: stop smoking weed for now. Wait a few more years because otherwise it can become dangerous really quickly. Because your brain is not ready for it yet.
Cigarette and alcohol consumption start later
This prevention usually works quite well with alcohol and cigarettes: young people drink their first beer and smoke their first cigarette later than ten years ago. And addiction researchers say: the later you start using drugs, the lower the risk of risky addictive behavior. They call it the principle of drug-free childhood and youth.
Legalization can lead to responsible use
And why shouldn’t we have the same success with cannabis as we did with alcohol and tobacco? In the best case scenario, cannabis is also a stimulant, like alcohol. Now that it is legal, we can better learn how to use it responsibly. And convey it to young people.
Further information
The Hamburg Medical Association is against the cannabis legalization decided by the Bundestag. There is considerable additional work for the police and the judiciary. more
The Bundestag has voted for the new cannabis law. It legalizes possession of limited quantities for adults. Criticism comes from the north. more
Possession and purchase of cannabis will become partially legal from April 1st. The Bundestag has passed a corresponding law. more
Every Saturday, the current editorial team of NDR Hamburg comments on political events in the Hanseatic city. more
This topic in the program:
NDR 90.3 | The Hamburg Commentary | 02/24/2024 | 8:40 a.m