Cannabis legalization: reservations among SPD interior experts

Cannabis Legalization: SPD Interior Experts Express Misgivings

The proposed relaxation of cannabis laws has drawn reservations from some members of the SPD parliamentary group. SPD interior specialist Sebastian Fiedler shared his sentiments, stating, "There was never any agreement with the interior politicians of the SPD parliamentary group."

Fiedler voiced concerns over the proposed regulations, such as decreased minimum distances between cannabis use and schools and day-care centers. He criticized the proposed law, asserting that it fails to target organized crime, thereby missing a significant objective. If the cannabis legalization bill were voted on today, Fiedler predicted that a substantial number of SPD parliamentary group members, including himself, would cast "no" votes.

The coalition parties recently finalized the details of a draft bill, aiming to remove cannabis from the prohibited substances list in the Narcotics Act. Home cultivation and possession of certain cannabis quantities for adults will be permitted as of April 1, 2024. Joint cultivation clubs are also set to become a possibility from July 1.

Further Reading:

• Despite the objections of some SPD parliamentary group members, SPD interior expert Sebastian Fiedler recognized his potential "no vote" on the cannabis legalization bill in its current form.
• The interior politicians of the SPD parliamentary group have not reached consensus with the coalition parties on critical aspects of the proposed Drug Laws, particularly in relation to proximity to schools and day-care centers.
• In Germany, the SPD parliamentary group has raised questions about the effectiveness of the proposed legalization of cannabis, as outlined in the Narcotics Act, in addressing organized crime.
• Critiquing the proposed changes to the Narcotics Act, SPD interior expert Fiedler argued against the law, stating that it would be detrimental because it has no impact on organized crime and thereby fails to fulfill its primary objective.
• The German SPD parliamentary group is currently divided on the issue of cannabis legalization, with Fiedler emphasizing that a significant number of members would likely vote against the motion if it were presented for a vote at this time.
• The liberalization of cannabis, transforming it from a prohibited substance to permitted home cultivation and possession for adults, is a contentious topic within the SPD parliamentary group due to the reservations held by its members regarding various provisions of the bill.

Sources:

Additional Insights:

1. The German government has yet to determine the repercussions of cannabis legalization on organized crime, specifically in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) (Source: 1).
2. The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) ruled that EncroChat data could still be utilized in criminal proceedings for drug offenses, but this decision does not directly address the concerns of SPD interior experts (Source: 1).
3. The German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) advocates for combating organized crime and increasing public safety through commercial cannabis supply chains. They also emphasize the need for modern regulations for telemedicine and reinforcing the resilience of domestic pharmaceutical supply chains (Source: 3).
4. A recent survey revealed that support for comprehensive adult-use cannabis legalization in Germany has increased to 59%, though this does not directly address the specific concerns of SPD interior experts regarding organized crime (Source: 4).