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Partial cannabis legalization: Decrease in crimes, black market is flourishing!
In the Hildburghausen district, the partial legalization of cannabis is showing initial results: a decline in drug offenses in 2024, but the black market remains active.
Partial cannabis legalization: Decrease in crimes, black market is flourishing!
The partial legalization of cannabis in Germany, which came into force in April 2024, shows both successes and challenges. A look at the Hildburghausen district reveals that the number of drug offenses fell to a total of 130 cases in 2024 - 11 fewer than the year before. What is particularly exciting is the decline in cannabis offenses, which were reduced from 71 to 43 insuedthueringen.de reported.
Compared to previous years, there is a remarkable trend: in 2019 there were significantly fewer drug offenses in the region. Despite the positive decline in some areas, the black market remains a challenge as people are still being caught with over the permitted amount of cannabis or too many plants. In addition, two large illegal hemp plantations were discovered in Heubach and Themar in 2024, which indicate the ongoing problem.
Mixed results in Rhineland-Palatinate
One year after partial legalization, the Interior Ministry of Rhineland-Palatinate draws a mixed conclusion. Interior Minister Michael Ebling (SPD) reports that cannabis violations have fallen by an impressive 54 percent compared to the previous year. With around 5,400 registered violations, it is clear that partial legalization, which allows cannabis consumption and cultivation under certain conditions, also leads to relief swr.de determines.
But not everyone is enthusiastic. The CDU criticizes partial legalization because it makes it more difficult to distinguish between consumers and dealers. The State Criminal Police Office also warns of an ongoing black market, which continues to play an important role, and notes that the cultivation clubs are currently unable to meet demand. There is also an increase in consumption among young people and children, which is raising concerns among parents and professionals.
The situation in the cities
In Stuttgart, where extensive wastewater analyzes on cannabis consumption are being carried out, interesting results have been recorded. Levels of carboxy-THC, a breakdown product of THC, remained stable in the summer of 2023 but spiked before legalization in February 2024. Overall, after legalization there was a slight increase of around 13 percent in wastewater values tagesschau.de informed.
In the central addiction clinic in Stuttgart, around 60 cases of cannabis addiction were treated in 2024. This shows that legalization definitely has an impact on the help system, because more people affected seek help earlier and voluntarily. This could be seen as a positive aspect of the new regulation.
In summary, although partial legalization has shown some success, major challenges remain in the area of drug crime and the black market. It is clear that many discussions and adjustments will still be necessary to improve the framework conditions and ensure safer handling of cannabis.