Cannabis dilemma: Why legal does not equal available

Cannabis Dilemma: Warum legal nicht gleich verfügbar ist

Niklas Bergmann, M.A.

Biochemist, specialist author

Inhaltsverzeichnis: Cannabis dilemma: Why legal does not equal available

On 1 April, a new chapter in the Drogenpolitik aufgeschlagen: Cannabis was legalised. However, this step, which was celebrated as progressive and forward-looking, also brings with it unexpected challenges. Legalisation does not mean that consumers now have free access to legal purchase. There are currently no legal way to obtain cannabis, because the establishment of Cannabis-Clubs and the authorisation for the Eigenanbau are a long time coming. This article takes a closer look at how the new legal situation leads to a legal grey area and what consequences this has for consumers. Why is cannabis legal but still so difficult to obtain? This contradiction is at the centre of our examination and sheds light on the complexity and temporary inadequacies of the current regulations. We explore how this situation poses a challenge not only for users, but also for the authorities.

Background to the current legal situation

The legalisation of cannabis in Germany on 1 April was a decisive moment, but it did not immediately lead to the free availability of the substance. Although the new law allows the consumption of cannabis, the infrastructure for legal sources of supply such as cannabis clubs or authorised home cultivation has not yet been established. Cannabis clubs are not due to start until 1 July, and home cultivation takes time to produce yields. This gap in availability leads to legal grey areas in which consumers find themselves. During this transition period, access to legally acquired cannabis remains effectively blocked, leading to confusion and potential legal problems for consumers.

Mann der Joint raucht

The role of cannabis clubs and home cultivation

Cannabis clubs: New institutions for legal cannabis

Cannabis-Clubs are intended to be an important part of the new cannabis legislation. From 1 July, these clubs will operate in Germany, where members will be able to legally grow and consume cannabis. However, the official launch of these clubs is still planned and it could be some time before they are fully established and able to provide cannabis to their members. These delays are partly due to the need to create a clear regulatory framework to ensure both legal cultivation and consumption within the clubs.

Home cultivation: time challenges

The Eigenanbau of cannabis offers a personal and immediate approach to legal cannabis use. However, this method comes with challenges, particularly in terms of time to harvest. Cannabis plants require a significant growing and maturing period, typically at least two months, before they reach the quality and potency required for consumption. This waiting period can be frustrating for those in need of immediate access. However, in the long term, home-growing offers the opportunity to develop a deeper connection to one's own consumption behaviour and create an awareness of plant care.

Legal dilemma for consumers

Challenges without legal sources of supply

Cannabis users are currently facing major challenges as there are no legal sources of supply. Despite the legalisation of consumption, the purchase of cannabis outside of specific, as yet unestablished channels remains illegal. This presents many users with the problem of either obtaining supplies illegally or abstaining from consumption altogether. This state of uncertainty and the lack of legal options lead to considerable legal uncertainty among users.

Consequences of detention and the duty to testify

The lack of legal procurement channels also has serious legal consequences. Consumers who acquire cannabis from illegal sources can be called as witnesses in proceedings against their suppliers. If they refuse to testify, they may face a fine or, in the worst case, imprisonment for up to six months in accordance with Section 70 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This potential threat of punishment considerably increases the pressure on consumers and raises serious questions about the fairness and practical implementation of the new law.

Positions of law enforcement agencies and critical voices

Attitude of the authorities in Baden-Württemberg

The Strafverfolgungsbehörden in Baden-Württemberg have shown their determination to develop new Cannabisgesetzgebung actively tackle the illegal drug trade. While they recognise the legalisation of cannabis as an important social step, they also emphasise the need to strictly monitor the transition phase. Their main concerns centre on the period until legal sales and cultivation structures are fully established, as during this time users will inevitably be reliant on illegal markets. This increases the risk of consumers being drawn into criminal networks and presents a challenge for law enforcement to maintain the balance between control and freedom.

Critical voices from other federal states

The critical voices from other federal states emphasise that the implementation of the new Cannabisgesetze may not run as smoothly as hoped. Many see the current regulation as too much of a burden on the judiciary and fear that the organised crime . These concerns are based on the assumption that the necessary infrastructure for legal cannabis clubs and home cultivation may not be available in time, which in turn strengthens the black market. There are also concerns about the legal uncertainties and ethical issues arising from the requirement for consumers to disclose their sources of supply. This complex situation could have a long-term impact on the acceptance and effectiveness of cannabis legalisation.

Looking to the future

The future development of the Cannabis-Politik in Germany is of great importance and is the subject of intense debate. Experts and political decision-makers agree that adjustments and fine-tuning of the current laws will be necessary to address the problems that have arisen. Possible solutions could include speeding up the authorisation procedures for Cannabis-Clubs and a clearer regulation of the Eigenanbaus include. In the long term, the integration of additional legal sales outlets could also be considered in order to improve access to legal cannabis products and effectively combat the illegal market. Experts also emphasise the importance of education and awareness programmes to promote healthy and responsible consumer behaviour.

Conclusion

The legalisation of cannabis in Germany is a significant step, but one that comes with challenges. The discrepancy between legalisation and the availability of legal sources of supply leads to legal and practical problems for consumers. The next steps require the effective implementation of cannabis clubs and clear regulations on home cultivation. In the long term, a comprehensive cannabis policy is needed that facilitates access to legal sources and at the same time provides education to promote responsible use.

Niklas Bergmann, Fachautor

Freut euch auf die Insights von unserem Biochemiker Niklas Bergmann! Mit seinem tiefen Verständnis für alles, was mit Hanf zu tun hat, liefert er euch die neuesten und coolsten Infos direkt in euer Feed. Schnörkellos und klar verpackt er das komplexe Thema Cannabinoide und macht es für euch easy zugänglich. Mit Niklas an der Spitze unseres Wissens-Teams seid ihr immer top informiert.