Since April, the possession and consumption of cannabis have been legal for adults in Germany, but the law remains controversial. Kristine Lütke, spokesperson for addiction and drug policy in the FDP parliamentary group, defends the partial legalization, stating that she expects there will not be an increase in the number of consumers. However, concerns have been raised about the safety of driving under the influence of cannabis, with NRW Interior Minister Reul fearing “fatal consequences.” The SPD is also calling for clear guidelines for transportation personnel in public transport.
In the Union, criticism continues over the recommended increase in the cannabis limit in traffic by an expert commission. The spokesperson for transportation policy, Thomas Bareiß (CDU), stated that no one denies that the safety of everyone will be significantly compromised by this change. He believes that balancing cannabis use and road safety is a major challenge. The commission proposed raising the limit to 3.5 nanograms of the cannabis compound THC per milliliter of blood serum, which is comparable in risk to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.2 per mille. Bareiß argued for maintaining the current limit of one nanogram per milliliter of blood serum. NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of cannabis legalization on accident rates.
On the other hand, Detlef Müller, Deputy Chief of the SPD parliamentary group, supports the commission’s proposal. He believes that the maximum THC limit in the blood for driving should be based on scientific studies. However, he emphasizes the need for a solution regarding regulations and limits for the simultaneous consumption of alcohol and cannabis. The SPD is also discussing the recommendation of the commission on whether there should be an absolute alcohol ban when consuming cannabis, especially for those under the age of 21. Clear guidelines for transportation personnel in public transport, including buses, trains, and trams, are essential for safety, according to Müller.
Bayern’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann has also expressed opposition to the potential increase in the cannabis limit for driving. The proposal is causing concerns among politicians regarding the impact on road safety and accident rates. The debate highlights the challenges of finding a balance between personal freedoms and public safety in the context of drug policy. Both the SPD and the Union are grappling with the implications of cannabis legalization and the potential risks associated with driving under the influence, particularly when combining alcohol and THC.
The issue of setting THC limits for driving is complex and requires careful consideration of scientific evidence and the potential impact on public safety. While some advocate for following the recommendations of the expert commission, others raise concerns about the consequences of increasing the cannabis limit on road safety. As the debate continues, finding a solution that addresses the challenges of enforcing regulations and ensuring safety for all road users remains a critical priority for policymakers in Germany.
