Since Germany partially legalized cannabis in April, the number of crimes related to the drug have dropped significantly in the German capital of Berlin, according to the city’s health administration.
Berlin’s police database recorded 1,685 criminal offences under the Cannabis Act between the beginning of April and the end of October, including illicit trafficking or illicit possession, the agency said in response to questions from local Green Party lawmaker Vasili Franco.
Authorities also noted 81 administrative offences, including violations of the marijuana consumption prohibition zones.
By comparison, 5,315 criminal offences were reported in the same period in 2023.
Smoking marijuana or hashish has been permitted in Germany since April 1, but distances from children and young people must be maintained in public, as well as from daycare centres, schools and playgrounds.
Adults are allowed to carry 25 grammes of marijuana, but carrying more than 30 grammes is punishable by law. Consumers may grow marijuana themselves in limited quantities or join a so-called cannabis club which grows and shares the drug with members.
The sale and purchase of marijuana are still prohibited.
“Contrary to all the scaremongering, the cannabis law is already showing initial success after just a few months. Decriminalization should mean that cannabis users are no longer unnecessarily prosecuted, criminalized and stigmatized,” said Franco.
Almost 80% of marijuana-related offences since legalization have been consumption offences, he noted: “They will be completely eliminated in the long term, relieving the burden on the police and judiciary.”
Since Germany partially legalized cannabis in April, the number of crimes related to the drug have dropped significantly in the German capital of Berlin, according to the city’s health administration. Berlin’s police database recorded 1,685 criminal offences under the Cannabis Act between the beginning of April and the end of October, including illicit trafficking or illicit possession, the agency said in response to questions from local Green Party lawmaker Vasili Franco. Authorities also noted Read More
