The judiciary is additionally burdened
Judges’ association criticizes Lauterbach’s cannabis bill
8/12/2023 1:23 am
It is still unclear whether cannabis will actually become legal in Germany. There is a draft law by the Federal Minister of Health, but it is not well received everywhere. The German Association of Judges is now expressing its concerns. Accordingly, the law could lead to numerous new issues.
The German Association of Judges (DRB) has sharply criticized the Federal Ministry of Health’s draft cannabis law and described it as unsuitable for the implementation of the goals proclaimed by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. “In particular, the judiciary will not be relieved by the legislative plans, but rather an additional burden,” said judges’ association managing director Sven Rebehn of the editorial network Germany. “The very small-scale law would lead to a high level of official control, numerous new disputes and many procedures before the courts,” he criticized.
Some of the planned penal provisions are associated with considerable difficulties in providing evidence and a large investigative effort for the public prosecutor’s office. “Administrative court proceedings or neighborly disputes relating to cannabis cultivation are likely to increase,” predicted Rebehn. In addition, it is hardly to be expected that the black market will be pushed back as a result.
The Federal Cabinet is expected to advise next week
The draft law provides that the purchase and possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis should remain unpunished in the future – even if bought on the black market. Up to three plants should be allowed in self-cultivation at home. “But because there are a number of hurdles to growing yourself or purchasing from growers’ associations, demand on the black market is likely to grow in the wake of the cannabis law,” Rebehn warned.
Lauterbach announced on Wednesday that the federal cabinet will probably discuss the government’s planned limited release of cannabis next week. Parallel to the legislative process, there should be “a major campaign” “to point out the risks of cannabis consumption,” said Lauterbach.