Hendrik Streeck warns: Opioid crisis is now also threatening in Germany!

Hendrik Streeck warns: Opioid crisis is now also threatening in Germany!

Hendrik Streeck, the new drug commissioner of the Federal Government and Member of the Bundestag of the CDU, urges the USA from the United States to a possible transmission of the devastating opioid crisis. In its function, Streeck wants to actively act against the abuse of opioid pain relievers and announces a comprehensive package of measures. "These substances often reach the Internet, especially young people," says Streeck. In order to counteract this, he calls for strong police work, more education and prevention as well as improved addiction aid. A plan of measures is to be developed in cooperation with other departments, with Streeck referring to his experiences from nine years in the United States, where he experienced the effects of the opioid crisis up close. According to Streeck, hundreds of thousands of people in the United States have died through the abuse of opioids.

Furthermore, Streeck emphasizes that the debate about cannabis policy should not be simplified. "The concerns of parents, police officers, teachers and doctors have to be included more," explains the drug officer. In the coalition agreement, the Union and the SPD agreed to check the legalization of cannabis by autumn 2023 on a scientific basis. The legalization law, which has been in effect since April 1, 2024, allows adults to consume cannabis under certain conditions. Streeck sees this topic a central concern of his drug policy.

focus on media addiction and health education

Another focus of Streeck's work will be the fight against media addiction in children and adolescents. According to DAK, 1.3 million young people suffer from risky media behavior, which is considered to be increasingly worrying. In order to counteract this trend, he is planning talks with Minister of Health Nina Warken and Minister of Education Karin Prien.

The traffic light coalition decided in 2024 a "controlled delivery of cannabis to adults for enjoyment purposes". The "social clubs" in Lower Saxony, which are quickly put into operation, are on the brink under the new government. This development comes at a time when medical cannabis has been used in Germany to treat around 40 diseases since 2017, and the costs annually go into billions. Medical cannabis is increasingly viewed as inexpensive and low -risk alternative to opiative preparations.

The perspective of legalization

The legalization of cannabis could also bring economic advantages. It is estimated that the state could benefit from tax revenue and savings for the police and courts of around 4.7 billion euros. Cannabis remains the most consumed drug worldwide, with a consumption prevalence of over 5% in the adult population. In Germany, almost one in three adults consumed cannabis at least once, and this proportion is even over 40%for young adults. Streeck is aware that legalization is not unproblematic; The discussion about increasing consumption is still controversial, but countries with liberal cannabis laws do not show any sudden increase in dependencies.