Bavaria plans «central control unit» for cannabis consumption

The German state of Bavaria wishes to limit consumption through its own measures in the event of nationwide legalization of cannabis. A «central control unit» should, through strict enforcement of the federal cannabis law in the state, «contain and prevent as far as possible the consumption of this dangerous drug», announced Health Minister Klaus Holetschek (CSU) in Munich.

Bavaria wants to limit cannabis consumption

All legally permissible measures will also be taken to oppose the law, should it come into force.

«Because the Berlin traffic light coalition's project threatens health, especially that of young people,» said Holetschek.

Today, the Bundesrat has the opportunity to comment on the the coalition's cannabis legalization plans traffic lights. Bavaria plans to «table a plenary motion in the Bundesrat today that would completely reject the bill».

The cabinet had announced in mid-August that it approved the bill. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) spoke of a «turning point in drug policy», and said he was convinced it could curb the black market, fight drug-related crime and strengthen health protection.

Bundesrat cannot block bill

The proposal still has to pass through the Bundestag and the Federal Council. However, in the Bundesrat, it is not subject to a majority vote, according to Mr. Lauterbach, and therefore cannot be stopped there.

Spotted by CannabisIndustrie.nl, Kristine Lütke, FDP political representative in the Bundesrat, announced on Twitter:

«Cannabis controllers in Bavaria?! Klaus Holetschek is probably planning regular Stasi surveillance of cannabis consumers! But the fact is, Bavaria can't ignore applicable federal law - legalization applies to the Free State too!»

https://twitter.com/kristine_lutke/status/1707370127316959562

Earlier this week, the CSU announced that it would «do everything in its power» to prevent the legalization of cannabis in Germany. The Bavaria had already shown its reluctance to legalization by asking the European Union to block the federal project.

Wir werden alles tun, um der Cannabis-Legalisierung einen Riegel vorzuschieben. #BR24Wahl pic.twitter.com/0e0j5AT9Ir

- CSU (@CSU) September 13, 2023