Health - Cities see states as responsible for cannabis clubs
The German City Conference warns against additional tasks for municipalities regarding the future permitted cannabis growing cooperatives. "A few days before the start, it is still not clear in all federal states who is responsible for granting permits and controlling the growing cooperatives," said Helmut Dedy, CEO of the German Press Agency, to the German media. This responsibility lies with the states. "Cities already have enough to deal with public consumption controls." There should not be any additional burden.
Three months after the release of cannabis for adults and private cultivation with numerous requirements, a second stage comes into effect on July 1. From then on, non-commercial "growing cooperatives" with up to 500 members can start. Adults can then grow cannabis together and exchange it for personal use. The clubs must apply for a permit, and regular controls are also provided for in law. Where jurisdiction has been clarified, state authorities have usually taken on the tasks related to the growing cooperatives, said Dedy. That's good, too.
The City Conference also criticized that all new rules for cannabis had come into force, but that little had been done in terms of clarification and prevention. The law came with political promises to strengthen substance prevention. However, cities have not received any additional support for this from the federal and state governments. Dedy demanded: "The federal and state governments must in the future financially support the municipal drug and addiction help of the cities more strongly." This includes prevention offers, but also information for consumers and consumers. "Especially with regard to youth protection, prevention work must be intensified - not only for cannabis, but also for other addictive substances like nicotine or alcohol."
- Helmut Dedy, expressing concerns at the German City Conference, stated that Berlin and other municipalities should not be burdened with additional tasks related to controlling the future cannabis growing cooperatives.
- Despite the establishment of non-commercial cannabis growing cooperatives with up to 500 members starting July 1, Helmut Dedy noted that cities have not received any substantial support from the German government for substance prevention efforts.
- The German Association of Cities, in alignment with Helmut Dedy's demands, called for stronger financial support from the federal and state governments to enhance municipal drug and addiction assistance, which includes prevention measures and consumer information.
- In addressing the rising use of addictive substances like cannabis, nicotine, and alcohol, Helmut Dedy emphasized the need for intensified prevention work within municipalities, particularly focusing on youth protection.
