Leaving the moral ‘high’ grounds Towards a regulated legalization of cannabis in Germany
Introduction
At first glance, German drug policy seems quite progressive: Drug abuse is treated as a health
and social issue and there is a strong focus on prevention through education. However,
Germany is still a staunch supporter of the current prohibition regime and is committed to the
aim of a “drug free society”. As such, tackling the supply side of the drug trade is still an
important pillar of German drug policy, which leads to a number of adjacent problems
(International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, 2009).
In order to reduce drugrelated
harm, better combat international drug trafficking and to allocate
public resources more efficiently, Germany should opt for a regulated legalization of cannabis.
(1) Legalize the production and sale of cannabis through a government controlled licensing
system
(2) Impose strict rules on the legal market to better protect public health
Background
According to the Epidemiological Survey on Addiction (2012) cannabis consumption is a
pervasive phenomenon in Germany. 26,7% of Germans between the ages of 1864
reported to
have used illicit drugs at least once in their lives, cannabis being by far the most common.The
same study also showed that 60% of respondents were in favour of a decriminalization of the
personal use of cannabis, which constitutes a clear discrepancy between public opinion and
legislative practice. The prosecution of small scale offenders costs the German state between
€3.7 and €4.6 billion a year, excluding social costs, and diverts away funds and personnel from
investigations targeting large drug syndicates (Hardinghaus, 2013). Indeed, Germany’s location
in th...
... middle of paper ...
...r regulated markets, Germany
can make a persuasive case and push for a revision of the treaties and a more humane and
harmreduction
oriented legal framework.
Conclusion
In the light of the adversary effects of the current prohibition of marijuana both within Germany
and globally, the German government should take steps towards a regulated legalization of
marijuana and implement a (1) licensing system for the production, distribution and sale of
marijuana. In order to better protect minors and other vulnerable groups, the (2) purchase of
marijuana needs to be subject to several restrictions. At this point in time, the negative public
sentiment and the international drug conventions do not allow for the legalization of all drugs, but
if the above mentioned measures prove successful, an extension to other drugs should be the
matter of further public debate.
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A “drug-free society” has never existed, and probably will never exist, regardless of the many drug laws in place. Over the past 100 years, the government has made numerous efforts to control access to certain drugs that are too dangerous or too likely to produce dependence. Many refer to the development of drug laws as a “war on drugs,” because of the vast growth of expenditures and wide range of drugs now controlled. The concept of a “war on drugs” reflects the perspective that some drugs are evil and war must be conducted against the substances
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The war on drugs in our culture is a continuous action that is swiftly lessening our society. This has been going on for roughly 10-15 years and has yet to slow down in any way. Drugs continue to be a problem for the obvious reason that certain people abuse them in a way that can lead to ultimate harm on such a person. These drugs do not just consist of street drugs (marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy), but prescription medications as well. Although there are some instances where drugs are being used by subjects excessively, there has been medical research to prove that some of these drugs have made a successful impact on certain disorders and diseases.
The legalization of marijuana has been a highly debated topic for many of years. Since the first president to the most recent, our nation’s leaders have consumed the plant known as weed. With such influential figures openly using this drug why is it so frowned upon? Marijuana is considered a gateway drug, a menace to society, and mentally harmful to its consumers. For some people weed brings a sense of anxiety, dizziness, or unsettling feeling. Like alcohol, tobacco or any other drug, those chemicals may not respond well with their body. For other people marijuana brings joy, a sense of relief, and takes the edge off of every day stress. For those who are associated with cannabis, purposes usually range from a relaxant, or cash crop, to more permissible uses such as medicine, and ingredient to make so many other materials. We now need to look at what would change if marijuana were legal. Benefits to the economy and agriculture, health issues, and crime rates are three areas worth looking at. Deliberating on the pros and cons of this plant we can get a better understanding for marijuana. From there it will be easier to make a clear consensus on what is best for the nation.
The legalization of marijuana is considered a controversial issue, something that can benefit people for medical purposes, but what about recreationally? Marijuana has been illegal since 1937, but there’s never been a bigger push for legalization. There are several reasons why it is illegal, because of government propaganda and big industry not wanting to lose money, but this will be discussed later. The purpose of this paper is to educate, theorize, and discuss various aspects of marijuana, such as its history, development, and the advantages and disadvantages of marijuana legalization. Finally, my personal reflection on legalization and marijuana in general will be discussed.
Wolf, M. (2011, June 4). We should declare an end to our disastrous war on drugs. Financial Times. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.proxy.consortiumlibrary.org/docview/870200965?accountid=14473
For thousands of years human beings have attempted to find ways to get passed the struggles of their lives. With the pain of the world stopping people from enjoying simple pleasures, sometimes there is a need for help. Marijuana brings millions of people relief from the pain they feel on a day-to-day basis. This completely natural plant which helped so many people has puzzled the leaders of our nation for a long time. The THC in marijuana causes its users to experience a mild-huluciginic or high. The effect that marijuana has on a person has prevented the product from being legalized. Many other details about the plant, like the speculation of it being a gateway drug, have put another blockage on its legalization. Even though there are speculations about the plant, the benefit that it brings to the table most definitely out way its disadvantages. Marijuana can also alleviate several symptoms associated with cancer and Aids treatments and disorders. While Marijuana is effective as a medicine, it is also extremely lucrative. The economic benefits that Marijuana brings to the table are endless. Upon marijuana’s legalization, the economy would experience an immediate influx. Legalization of Marijuana would also drastically reduce crime in our cities and form a more productive society through its positive uses. The benefits that marijuana brings medically and economically are considerable enough to legalize its use medically or recreational.