Bustin’ Out In Düsseldorf? The Greens In State Parliament Propose Rec Trial
The Green Party in Düsseldorf, the state parliament for the most populous state of Germany, has advocated a controlled cannabis distribution trial project. The idea would be to reduce both the black market and illegal access by teens.
Cannabis remains, by far, the most widely used “illicit” drug in Germany – a country that has begun, albeit slowly, to recognize the medical efficacy of cannabis.
About 32% of the population between the ages of 18 to 59 have used cannabis at some point in time. In addition, there are now about 40-50,000 patients, but nobody knows exactly how many – it is easier to count prescriptions in a year and divide by four (cannabis prescriptions are issued every 90 days).
However, the call also comes at a strange and meaningful time in German politics. The Green Party is using cannabis as a way to attract voters to its cause at a time when the electoral map is shifting. Quite often, the choice is between the “far left” – or the “far right.” Die Linke and the Greens, in particular, back cannabis liberalization. The far-right, anti-immigrant, Alternativ für Deutschland or AfD does not.
No matter where this trial goes in other words, it may finally pierce the veil of “no” in Berlin – a political city on the federal level, which has denied such trials to its own citizens for years now.
Why Now?
The tide is moving and shifting and changing of course. There is still a long way to go, but there is home grow in Italy, and rec trials scheduled all over Europe these days.
It is only natural that the Germans would pay attention. Particularly now, and particularly in this region of the country.
Prohibition Is Getting Old
While Germans can be a conservative lot, there is also a pragmatism which is very much at the heart of all things political too. And right now, there are quite a few things that are starting to feel “stale” if not a need for a good shake up. The CDU, the mainstream, conservative party that held the country together since WWII is feeling many challenges right now, and cannabis legalization is absolutely fodder in the discussion.
Look for more of this kind of pressure as the ground in Europe begins to shift and change with political forces of all kinds at the table. Cannabis, in this environment, is absolutely one of the biggest playing cards if not pink elephants in the room.
For an insider’s look at the shifting landscape of cannabis regulation in Germany and across Europe, be sure to attend Peter Homberg’s headliner at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin!