“Trivializing The Joint?” German Police Unions Speak Out Against More Legalization
Head of Police Union speaks out against recreational reform as coalition talks for new government continue with parties in favour of forward progress on cannabis issues
In a clear clash of values as well as a sign that German politics are changing, the head of the country’s police union, GdP, Oliver Malchow, spoke out against the further legalization of cannabis. The police are mostly concerned with road accidents and are comparing recreational cannabis’ intoxication impact to that of alcohol.
Such remarks come at a time when the Social Democrats (SDP), the Greens and the Free Democrats (FDP) are caucusing in discussions about ruling the country in a coalition government – and further all parties are clear that they want more cannabis reform.
The FDP for example is very excited about the tax revenue the legal cannabis industry could create. The Greens want to eliminate the black market and reduce organized crime. The least pro-cannabis reform group, the SPD has at least called for a recreational trial.
Something green is going down in Deutschland. The question is when and in what form.
A National Recreational Trial
There are several theories that are highly popular in the cannabis industry. One is that the new coalition, when it finally forms, will at least agree on decriminalization. Beyond this, however, the roadmap is not so clear, even with recreational reform now on the docket in Europe.
Several countries – including Portugal and Luxembourg, are now discussing how to legally implement recreational markets in an environment, regionally, where cannabis is still considered a Schedule I drug (even if its component cannabinoids are slowly being defined otherwise). Indeed, some of the opposition in Luxembourg against the implementation of a recreational market is the fear of “unrest” on the country’s borders with the rest of Europe. Namely, cannatourists from other places, starting with Deutschland.
Whatever happens in Germany, however, will clearly affect the discussion across such countries if not others in the EU region.
What Is Possible Beyond Decriminalization?
There are several options. The world is not where it was on cannabis issues even four years ago – the year of the German bid. Countries all over Europe (see Malta and Italy for starters) are beginning to accept home grow legislatively.
The most likely options - beyond decrim for that reason, are recreational trials in major cities and some kind of amended home grow option.
One thing is also for sure. The German police will be on the hunt for state-of-the-art cannabis breathalysers used in legalizing US states.
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