From 1st April, Germany decriminalised recreational cannabis.
With this landmark reform, not only is the use but also the cultivation of limited quantities legal under strict terms and conditions.
At the same time, the law allows non-commercial user associations to grow cannabis for the private consumption needs of their members.
This marks a significant shift in how a country approaches the issue of narcotics.
Today’s sixty and fifty-year-olds in Germany, thirty years ago, would tremble at the thought of being seen smoking weed or carrying a few grams. Now, not only can they use it without fear, but they can also cultivate their plants at home.
Germany is not alone in changing its approach; in recent years, several countries have transitioned from prosecution and suppression to tolerance and acceptance.
Perhaps because it became apparent that suppression leads nowhere.
Despite billions of euros being spent and prisons filling up with convicted individuals, drug use not only did not decrease but increased. A glaringly failed policy that skyrocketed the profits of illegal trade and empowered drug cartels.
Of course, there is also the opposing view. Those against the decriminalisation of cannabis argue that legalising it will make it easier for minors to obtain and could pave the way for harder drugs.
However, there isn’t much evidence to support this, and for many experts, the distinction between hard and soft drugs does not reflect reality.
So, is decriminalisation the way to address the issue? It probably depends on what we aim to achieve.
If we want to be realistic, we must admit that no matter what we do, we cannot eliminate drugs because the needs driving their use are there.
For some, it’s part of their recreation; others use them to relax, while some use them to work.
In Germany, however, the reform and its implementation results will be evaluated after four years, and decisions will be made accordingly.
Many will consider these as experiments. Perhaps they are. But it’s also about observing and making a choice. Especially when everything else has failed.
Times change. And perhaps, at this point, we need to see things differently and act differently.
