Cannabis consumption in Berlin - Cannabis issue: SPD calls for swift decision
SPD expert Martin Matz urges a swift decision on implementing the federal cannabis law that has been in effect for over four months. It's still unclear who in Berlin will decide on the applications of so-called "social clubs" that want to grow cannabis. "The Senate must clarify the competency issue. It's high time, there's no other way to put it," Matz told Deutsche Presse-Agentur. The topic doesn't belong in the health administration.
"So far, they've been avoiding the decision"
"There could be a kind of additional department in the health department of the State Office for Health and Social Affairs, or it could be assigned to the districts, with the local health offices taking over," Matz said. "So far, they've been avoiding the decision." This is unfortunately not unusual for Berlin. "The Senate must now say who is responsible - whether it's Lageso or the districts, that's actually irrelevant."
From his perspective, there are arguments for both options: "You could say it's more important to specialize. That speaks for a central unit in a state office. If someone comes with an application and wants to found a social club, they've probably done it ten times before. Now it's the eleventh, no problem," the SPD member explained.
"On the other hand, you could say the districts are closer, also spatially. They can do a site inspection more easily. You just have to decide." If it ends up with the districts, the Senate must also ensure that they have the financial means for the necessary positions, Matz said. "You can't say the districts are responsible and they should figure it out."
The SPD politician accuses the Senate of dragging its feet on the issue: "They should have clarified the competency issue when the law came into effect in early April and they knew that social clubs would be allowed to grow and distribute cannabis to their members from July."
Applications from social clubs are currently pending
Since April 1st, the possession of certain amounts of cannabis, private cultivation, and consumption of the drug in public are permitted nationwide for people aged 18 and over under certain conditions. No more than 25 grams can be carried in public, and no more than 50 grams can be stored at home. Three plants are allowed in the living area.
Since July 1st, cannabis clubs can submit applications for a permit. Until the aforementioned ordinance is issued, the so-called "catch-all competence" applies, according to which the districts are responsible, but they usually do not process the applications first. According to the health administration, it is not yet foreseeable when the ordinance will come into force.
"The delay in deciding who will handle the applications of 'social clubs' could potentially lead to complications in the regulatory process of drug-related activities."
"Given the current situation, it's crucial for the Senate to allocate responsibilities and provide necessary resources to ensure a smooth implementation of the cannabis law, avoiding any further avoidance or ambiguity regarding drug-related matters."
