LEAP Germany Calls For Expanding Legal Options For Obtaining Cannabis
The organization Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) originated in the United States, where it has been highly effective in advocating for sensible cannabis reform. LEAP is made up of current and former members of law enforcement who recognize that cannabis prohibition is harmful and a failed public policy, and that regulation is a better approach.
LEAP has expanded internationally and launched chapters in other countries, including Germany, where leadership recently issued a public letter addressed to the nation’s new Federal Government Commissioner for Addiction and Drugs, Hendrik Streeck. Below is LEAP Germany’s letter (translated from German to English):
Dear Mr. Streeck,
on behalf of the entire board of LEAP Germany, I, along with many others, congratulate you on your appointment as the new Federal Government Commissioner for Addiction and Drugs and wish you every success and every success in this role. We would be delighted to continue the constructive and trusting collaboration we began with your predecessor in shaping addiction and drug policy in Germany.
LEAP Germany is a non-profit association founded in 2015 that recruits its members primarily from law enforcement agencies, the criminal justice system, and the criminal justice system.
With this professional background, we advocate for an evidence-based addiction and drug policy that recognizes that prosecuting drug users is the wrong approach to adequately protect the health of this group of people. There is broad consensus among experts that drug policy based on prohibition
has completely failed in terms of its own objectives. In particular, the general preventive effect intended by criminal prosecution has not been achieved, according to all available figures and findings.
The Consumption Cannabis Act, which came into force on April 1, 2024, and the further development of the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes were a first, albeit insufficient, step towards a
scientifically sound drug policy. As LEAP Germany, we had numerous opportunities to contribute our professional expertise during this legislative process. In just the first nine months, this law resulted in more than 110,000 fewer police investigations being initiated by the police nationwide than in the previous year, according to the police crime statistics. 110,000 fewer suspects and thus those affected by stigmatization – a true success.
Much remains to be done, not only with regard to the upcoming evaluation of the Consumption Cannabis Act. As law enforcement officials, we have a strong interest in significantly expanding the options for legally obtaining cannabis for consumers. Effectively reducing the black market in a context of continued high demand is urgently needed for criminological and health policy reasons.
We would be happy to discuss these and other issues with you, Mr. Streeck, in due course. Since you have advocated for an evidence-based addiction and drug policy without a warning finger in your initial public statements, we see a good basis for professional exchange. We would be pleased to receive an invitation to your office in Berlin.
Sincerely,
Hubert Wimber for the board of LEAP Germany