Mainz: The Place in Focus - Little to no negative outcomes discovered following marijuana usage
Authorities claim that adult legalization of cannabis in Rhineland-Palatinate has not shown any significant effects in the first month. "It's not yet time for reliable feedback," Stefanie Loth, GdP state chairperson, noted to the German Press Agency in Mainz. The police headquarters had not informed the Interior Ministry of any incidents. The police were still gaining experience.
Is there an increase in cannabis usage? It's too early to tell, said Anette Schilling from the State Office for Addiction Issues. There are no surveys yet.
The addiction counseling centers are currently occupied with restructuring under the new law, both within Rhineland-Palatinate and with other federal states. They are pleased to meet growers' associations and users, allowing them to inform them of addiction issues early on and refer them to the help system.
There have been instances of legal and operational uncertainty. As an example, Loth cited a cannabis-use case near a children's playground in a park. The drug was carried legally, but likely also sold. In these cases, responsibilities and possible concealment could be problematic.
The public prosecutor's offices must report cannabis discovery to them, and it would need to be confiscated as evidence. There's still no clarity on how to handle this at public events.
Cannabis use is de facto prohibited at events like folk festivals and fairs that cater to families with children. According to ministry spokeswoman Sonja Bräuer, the Cannabis Act's regulations on protection of minors forbid public consumption near anyone under 18. Visitors to public events can't consume cannabis where it's visible to schools, children's/youth facilities, playgrounds, and publicly-accessible sports facilities. Organizers can ban consumption in places like restaurants or tents.
Road usage and cannabis use don't mix; "being intoxicated by cannabis consumption and participating in public road traffic are incompatible," Bräuer declared. "An expert group from the Federal Ministry of Transport suggests a concentration of 3.5 nanograms per milliliter of blood serum as a potential new limit." Till any legal alterations, however, the 1.0 nanogram of THC in blood serum established by the court is still valid.
The Ministry of Social Affairs is drafting a state regulation to enforce the Cannabis Act. It should focus on authority awareness of the Cannabis Act's enforcement and take effect by July, the Interior and Social Affairs Ministry report.
Since April 1, adults over 18 have been allowed to possess certain amounts of cannabis, cultivate it, and use it publicly under certain conditions. Despite resistance, the coalition government brought these changes to the law. No more than 25 grams can be carried or 50 grams kept at home. Three plants are allowed in the home. Violations merit hefty fines.
Sharing cannabis, except in clubs, ranks as a criminal offense, particularly if it's given to minors. Minors are still denied permission to use cannabis. Cannabis clubs start growing cannabis only on July 1.
FAQ on cannabis legalization / Federal Government
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Source: www.stern.de
