The German Ministry of Transportation’s expert commission has recommended a limit for cannabis use while driving. The Bundestag has approved a partial legalization of cannabis, allowing possession of up to 25 grams without penalty starting in April. Siegfried Brockmann, an accident researcher and the managing director of the Björn Steiger Foundation, criticizes the lack of consideration for road safety in the new law.
The expert group at the Federal Ministry of Transportation has recommended a limit of 3.5 nanograms of the cannabis compound THC in blood serum for driving. This limit is comparable to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.2 per mil. Currently, a limit of 1 ng/ml THC is tolerated on the roads. THC is the psychoactive substance in cannabis that produces the majority of its intoxicating effects and can remain detectable in the body for several days after consumption.
The proposed limit is aimed at sanctioning only those who have recently consumed cannabis before driving, with a focus on maintaining road safety. The experts also recommend a complete alcohol ban for cannabis users while driving, due to the heightened risk of impairment from combining cannabis and alcohol. Changes to the Road Traffic Act will be necessary to implement the recommended limit, as driving under the influence of drugs is currently illegal.
The recently approved partial legalization of cannabis will take effect on April 1st in Germany. As part of this law, the Ministry of Transportation was tasked with setting a THC limit for driving by March 31st. The recommendation of 3.5 ng/ml has been sent to the Bundestag factions and the Ministry of Health for review. The expert group responsible for this recommendation includes specialists in medicine, law, transportation, and policing, and was established in December of last year.
The introduction of a THC limit for driving reflects the increasing complexity of drug-related legislation as cannabis laws evolve. The focus on road safety and the risks associated with driving under the influence of cannabis and alcohol highlights the need for clear guidelines to protect both drivers and other road users. Implementation of the recommended THC limit will require changes to existing laws and a collaborative effort between various governmental bodies in Germany.
