The cornerstones for the legalization of cannabis are already in place, and the federal government wants to discuss them today. The Association of Pharmacists is now warning Health Minister Lauterbach of possible health consequences. At the same time, they do not believe that the plans will be implemented quickly.
The North Rhine Association of Pharmacists has warned Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach against the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes. “The Drug Commission of German Pharmacists has spoken out clearly against the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes and has warned of the health risks of cannabis consumption,” said association leader Thomas Preis of the “Rheinische Post”. The federal government wants to discuss Lauterbach’s plans to legalize cannabis.
According to the newspaper, the cornerstones of the planned law allow the acquisition and possession of up to 30 grams of recreational cannabis for personal consumption to remain unpunished. The plan is therefore to allow the production, supply and distribution of cannabis within a licensed and state-controlled framework.
The pharmacies see themselves in a professional conflict, said Preis. Due to their technical expertise, they are ideally suited to meet the necessary high quality standards in delivery and advice. “On the other hand, pharmacists are health professionals,” emphasized the head of the association. Accordingly, a “possible competitive situation with purely commercial providers is viewed particularly critically”.
In any case, Preis does not assume that cannabis will be legalized in Germany any time soon. “We do not expect a quick implementation of a legislative procedure, because the biggest hurdle remains international and EU law,” he said.
