Cannabis will soon be legally available for consumption in Germany. Last week, the newly elected coalition of SPD, Greens, and FDP agreed on this in their coalition agreement. The distribution will be controlled in licensed shops and only to adults. Although in Austria the legalisation of cannabis seems to be a long way off, many assume that the German way will have an impact on the domestic drug policy in the long run.
Internationally, there are different models of legalisation or decriminalisation of cannabis for consumption purposes. For example in Canada, in parts of the USA, in Uruguay, Portugal, or the Czech Republic. While in Canada cannabis can be bought legally in shops or over the internet, in Portugal possession of cannabis is illegal but not prosecuted.
Natasa Konopitzky talks to toxicologist Fabian Steinmetz and lawyer Martin Feigl about the effects of cannabis prohibition, the consequences of legalisation, and the future of drug policy in Europe.
Listen to the interview (in German) here.
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