Hendrik Streeck: The new drug commissioner on the turbo course!
Hendrik Streeck: The new drug commissioner on the turbo course!
Bonn, Deutschland - Hendrik Streeck is expected to be the new drug commissioner of the federal government. The appointment of the virologist, who heads the Institute of Virology at the University Hospital Bonn, is planned for Wednesday. The proposal comes from Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) and Streeck will replace the previous drug representative Burkhard Blienert (SPD). Streeck has become active as a direct candidate in the Bundestag since his election in February and became known for protective measures during the Corona pandemic due to its sometimes unconventional views. Among other things, he signed a controversial position paper that spoke out against a general shutdown in autumn 2020, which attracted a lot of attention.
In his new role, Streeck will accompany the legalization of cannabis in Germany, which was agreed in the coalition negotiations between the Union and the SPD. While Streeck himself takes a differentiated attitude towards legalization, he expressed concerns about possible negative effects on young people and spoke out for a right to self -determination and proportionality. The Union and the SPD have agreed in the coalition agreement to check the effects of legalization by next autumn.The cannabis law in the context
The Federal Government has submitted a draft law to legalize controlled handling of cannabis. This regulates private consumption, self -cultivation and cultivation associations. Another draft law is to follow by the end of the year that concerns state -controlled production, sales and the delivery of cannabis in specialty shops. According to a survey by the IFO Institute from 2023, 34 % of the respondents approved the draft law, while 40 % were against it and 26 % remained undecided.
In the past three decades there has been a continuous examination of drug policy in Germany, especially with regard to hard drugs such as heroin. The cannabis consumption, on the other hand, has increased in society, despite existing bans. Statistics show that 2021 consumed a total of 8.8 % of the population between 15 and 64 years of cannabis, and in 2021 6.1 % of 12 to 17 year olds and 29.8 % of 18- to 25-year-olds consumed cannabis. The height of the cannabis delics made up almost 64 % of all drug offenses in 2021.
criticism and concerns
critics of legalization fear an increase in the black market and a higher THC content of cannabis products, which could in particular endanger youth protection. There is also concern that legalization could lead to an increase in consumption, even among young people. Empirical studies from countries such as Canada and the USA show mixed results in terms of transferability to Germany and the associated regulations.
At the same time, the current economic policy of the federal government is heavily criticized. Hendrik Streeck spoke out in his role as a member of the Bundestag for tax relief and better framework conditions for the economy. Experts from institutes such as the Institute of German Economy are currently seeing problems such as an impending recession, high energy costs and a lack of investment that could affect Germany's competitiveness. This could also have an impact on the discussion about cannabis legalization, since a strong economy is regarded as the basis for a functioning welfare state.
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| Ort | Bonn, Deutschland |
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