Lauterbach challenges Bavaria's alleged "hypocrisy" over cannabis.
Cannabis legalization has stirred up a lot of debate, especially in the southern states. Health Minister Lauterbach is critical of the Bavarian government's efforts to outlaw marijuana. He sees it as a minor issue compared to the excessive drinking that occurs at the Munich Oktoberfest.
In response to the numerous bans on public smoking, like at the Munich Oktoberfest, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach from Berlin expressed his disbelief at the hypocrisy in politics. "This is like nothing ever changes around here," he said. While it appears as if federal regulations don't apply in Bavaria, this has been the case for over 75 years with the Basic Law.
"On one hand, they're treating Bavaria as a separate entity. On the other hand, they're being hypocritical," Lauterbach remarked to the delight of his audience during a speech at the Democracy Festival for 75 years of the Basic Law alongside Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir. The two politicians fielded questions from attendees about cannabis.
The CSU-led Bavarian government has been a strong opponent of the cannabis law, which went into effect on April 1. After its implementation, the Bavarian government enacted more restrictions on cannabis use in public areas, such as at folk festivals, and even threatened fines.
No tax collection or shops
Lauterbach clarified that no taxes will be collected on cannabis, unlike items like tobacco or alcohol. "There's no plan for that," he said. They've considered allowing licensed stores to sell cannabis, but this isn't possible under European law. Moreover, a large market would form through advertising, which they wanted to avoid.
Instead, the government selected a cooperative model for the farming cooperatives. These cooperatives only grow cannabis for their members' personal use, don't make a profit, and don't pay taxes. "Lindner was left disappointed," Lauterbach joked about Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner.
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Lauterbach highlighted the contrast between Bavaria's strict stance on cannabis and their tolerance for heavy alcohol consumption during events like the Munich Oktoberfest. Despite his criticism, Lauterbach acknowledged that under European law, it's not currently possible to establish licensed cannabis stores in Germany, like they have for alcohol.
Source: www.ntv.de
