Brandenburg's Minister of Justice accuses the federal government of risky and irresponsible strategy for cannabis legalization

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Die Brandenburger Justizministerin Susanne Hoffmann (CDU) äußert sich in einem Interview mit der Märkischen Allgemeinen Zeitung (MAZ) kritisch zur Cannabis-Legalisierung. Sie bezeichnet die Strategie der Bundesregierung in diesem Bereich als riskant und unverantwortlich. Hoffmann bezieht sich dabei auf das im März 2022 verabschiedete Cannabis-Control-Gesetz, welches die rechtliche Grundlage für den Verkauf und Konsum von Cannabis zu Genusszwecken schaffen soll. Die Ministerin warnt vor den möglichen gesundheitlichen und sozialen Folgen, die eine umfassende Legalisierung des Betäubungsmittels mit sich bringen könnte. Ihr Hauptkritikpunkt ist dabei die mangelnde wissenschaftliche Evidenz für die Annahme, dass eine Legalisierung von Cannabis zu einer Reduktion des Schwarzmarktes …
The Brandenburg Minister of Justice Susanne Hoffmann (CDU) critically commented on cannabis legalization in an interview with the Märkische Allgemeine Zeitung (MAZ). It describes the Federal Government's strategy in this area as risky and irresponsible. Hoffmann refers to the Cannabis Control Act adopted in March 2022, which is intended to create the legal basis for the sale and consumption of cannabis for pleasure purposes. The minister warns of the possible health and social consequences, which could bring about a comprehensive legalization of the narcotics. Their main criticism is the lack of scientific evidence for the assumption that legalization of cannabis to reduce the black market ... (Symbolbild/MB)

The Brandenburg Minister of Justice Susanne Hoffmann (CDU) critically commented on cannabis laying in an interview with the Märkische Allgemeine Zeitung (MAZ). It describes the strategy of the Federal Government in this area as risky and irresponsible.

Hoffmann refers to the cannabis control law adopted in March 2022, which is intended to create the legal basis for the sale and consumption of cannabis for enjoyment purposes. The minister warns of the possible health and social consequences that could bring about a comprehensive legalization of the narcotics.

Your main criticism is the lack of scientific evidence for the assumption that legalization of cannabis would lead to a reduction in the black market and thus to better control. Hoffmann emphasizes that there are no reliable studies so far. It also refers to experiences from other countries in which cannabis has already been legalized and their problems with a flourishing black market despite legal offer.

Another aspect that the Justice Minister appeals is the risk of abuse and dependency. It creates the thesis that increased availability of cannabis could lead to more people consuming this substance and possibly developing problematic cannabis use. Here she refers to studies that show a connection between cannabis consumption and mental disorders such as psychoses.

Hoffmann speaks against using the argument of decriminalization of consumers as the basis for comprehensive cannabis legalization. She emphasizes that the possession of small quantities of cannabis is usually punished and the judiciary focuses primarily on the trade in illegal narcotics.

Finally, the Minister of Justice illustrates that she has no fundamental rejection of changes in narcotics law. However, it considers legalization of cannabis to be too risky and instead pleads for a deeper discussion with experts and stronger focus on prevention and education.

Overall, the interview shows that Brandenburg's Minister of Justice Hoffmann critically looks at cannabis legalization and warns of possible negative consequences. She sees the previously missing scientific evidence and the potential danger of abuse and dependency as arguments against a comprehensive legalization of cannabis. Instead, she pleads for a more intensive discussion and measures for prevention and clarification.