Let's decriminalise casual cannabis use

Users should be allowed to toke in peace while enforcement focuses on busting organised drug smugglers
Berliner Zeitung (Germany)
Tuesday, September 8, 2020

germany police cannabisThe number of drug offences continue to increase in Germany – a very real issue for the country. Drug Commissioner Daniela Ludwig is of course on the right track when she emphasises prevention programmes. Doing away with addiction as a social taboo is an important factor when it comes to combating drug abuse. But it would be even more helpful not to criminalise responsible citizens who use cannabis from time to time. Sixty per cent of offences are linked to plant-based drugs. The criminalisation of cannabis brings people – mostly young people – more quickly into an environment where harder drugs are consumed. Redefining what is illegal could help.