Connect with us

Cannabis

On the Way to Cannabis Legalization: Frankfurt Positions Itself as a Pioneer

Frankfurt could become a pioneer in decriminalizing cannabis use. Legalization of cannabis would only be possible through a federal amendment to the Narcotics Act. However, prosecution can be waived due to insignificance. The federal states define what quantities are considered minor. Six grams of cannabis has been set as the upper limit in Hesse.

Published

on

The state government of Hesse would support a cannabis model project in Frankfurt. The Greens also want to involve the communities in the surrounding area.

Frankfurt could become a pioneer in decriminalizing cannabis use. The Frankfurt Greens Member of Parliament Marcus Bocklet said on Tuesday evening in the Social Affairs Committee of the Hessian State Parliament, the possible new Römer coalition of Greens, SPD, FDP, and Volt wants to examine such a model. In doing so, they want to start it together with surrounding communities, “so that not everyone goes to Frankfurt.”

Such a project would have to be approved by the federal health minister. The black-green state government showed itself ready to support a model project. Social Affairs Minister Kai Klose (Greens) stressed that the impetus would have to come from the municipalities. “I cannot force any municipality to go this way,” he said.

Read more about the legalization of cannabis in Frankfurt and find the latest cannabis news with the Hemp.im mobile app.

Frankfurt: Plan of the four-party alliance in matters of cannabis


In their coalition agreement, the four parties in Frankfurt agreed: “For the regulated dispensing of cannabis to adults in Frankfurt, we want to establish a model project taking into account youth protection aspects. Regulated dispensing would have the potential to protect consumers: inside, relieve the judiciary and reduce the illegal drug trade.” So far, however, it is uncertain whether the coalition will materialize because the FDP’s base has refused to give its consent.

Independent of such model projects, the state can determine how much cannabis is considered a quantity for personal use. In these cases, possession is not prosecuted due to insignificance. In Hesse, the upper limit is six grams.

The amount of cannabis a person could carry

The legalization of cannabis would only be possible through a federal amendment to the Narcotics Act. However, the prosecution can be waived due to insignificance. The federal states define what quantities are considered minor.

Six grams of cannabis has been set as the upper limit in Hesse. In other federal states, the limit is sometimes ten or a maximum of 15 grams. pit

The Left Party in the state parliament requested that this limit be raised to ten grams. Up to 15 grams, the police and public prosecutor’s office should be able to refrain from prosecution “depending on the individual case”. This would be in line with the values that apply in Berlin. In addition, the Left Party wants to allow “a limited personal cultivation of up to four cannabis plants without prosecution” in the future.

The Left Party wants to go down this path “as long as we do not have an overall legalization of cannabis products in the Federal Republic,” said Christiane Böhm, a member of the Left Party. However, her motion was rejected. SPD and FDP abstained, while CDU, Greens and AfD voted against.

Cannabis decriminalization in Frankfurt: CDU is opposed


All parliamentary groups except the CDU had shown themselves open to a discussion about decriminalization. SPD member Daniela Sommer said that cannabis consumption, like drinking alcohol, was a “social reality”. However, in her opinion, the Left Party’s proposal falls short on addiction prevention and counseling, which would have to accompany decriminalization.

Sandra Funken, a member of the CDU, was the only one to express the view that the greater availability of cannabis would lead to greater consumption and greater danger. Experiences in other states showed that the black market would not disappear. In addition, Funken argued that the quantities proposed by the leftists went far beyond personal consumption.

Cannabis in Frankfurt: Alcohol “the biggest scourge”


Bocklet, on the other hand, advocated decriminalization. He said he lacked good arguments when young people pointed out that alcohol was “the biggest scourge in our country” but was consumed legally. The Greens nevertheless rejected the Left’s motion because this was a topic on which there were differing views in the governing coalition.

__

(Featured image by LNLNLN via Pixabay)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in Frankfurter Rundschau, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.

Arturo Garcia started out as a political writer for a local newspaper in Peru, before covering big-league sports for national broadsheets. Eventually he began writing about innovative tech and business trends, which let him travel all over North and South America. Currently he is exploring the world of Bitcoin and cannabis, two hot commodities which he believes are poised to change history.