Decriminalization of cannabis use in Germany could soon become a reality, following a public announcement by the Association of German Criminal Officers (BDK).

The BDK aims to put an end to the current cannabis ban. Supporting the “complete decriminalization of cannabis use,” the BDK plans to reverse the problems that are currently occurring as a result of cannabis prohibition, such as black market growth, criminal activity and illegal careers.

BDK’s officers believe that the green plant will not be banned for much longer in the country, where cannabis is currently illegal for recreational usage. However, if someone is found with small amounts of cannabis, the discovery may not result in a prosecutable case.

“The prohibition of cannabis has historically been seen as arbitrary and has not yet been implemented in an intelligent and effective manner,” the head of BDK, André Schulz, told Bild newspaper.

Why does the BDK want to lift cannabis laws in Germany?

Repression aside, the BDK anticipates the emergence of potential learning opportunities by legalizing cannabis use in Germany. From understanding the importance of practicing safe drug use to aiding drug addicts with proper support, Schulz is a firm believer that cannabis decriminalization could bolster protection services for children and youths.

Although the BDK advocate decriminalization of the medicinal herb, not everybody is on-board with the idea. Back in November, a survey by Forsa exposed the disapproval of cannabis legalization among German citizens.

The result of this survey showed how 63 percent of Germans do not support decriminalisation of cannabis in Germany. Nevertheless, 34 percent feel that they should be able to purchase buds, trimmings, leaves and extracts from licensed cannabis dispensaries for personal use.

Decriminalization of cannabis in Germany will exclude smoking

In the event that the decriminalization of cannabis in Germany is given the go-ahead, the change in laws will not necessarily benefit cannabis smokers. Well, not the smokers who drive anyway.

High-THC strains are psychoactive and may impair a person’s reactions. Since driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is illegal and could impact the driver’s (and other motorists and pedestrians) safety, smoking cannabis whilst driving remains illegal in Germany.

Anyone who is caught smoking cannabis behind the wheel is at risk of having their license revoked, but the amount of cannabis that a person is able to consume before being punished by the police has not yet been confirmed by the German government.

The existing cannabis laws in Germany

Recreational cannabis is illegal in Germany. Criminal prosecution is rare when a cannabis user is found to be in possession of small quantities of the herb, according to German law. Generally, a user will face criminal charges if they are in possession of 10 to 15 grams of cannabis.

Things are slightly different on the medical end of the spectrum. Only 10 months after medical cannabis was legalized in Germany in March 2017, more than 13,000 medical cannabis applications had been submitted. This is a stark contrast to the 1,000 Germans who were permitted to treat their conditions and ailments with cannabis before legal medical use was granted.

In addition to legal cannabis advocacy from BDK, local support for legalization of the herb has been ongoing since 1997, when the first hemp parade called Hanfparade took place in Berlin.