After change of law - NRW cannot ban cannabis in schools
After the legalization of Cannabis, it is not permissible for schools to prohibit mature students and teachers from carrying the substance with them. The Ministry of Education made this clear in a letter to all institutions. However, schools are encouraged to state in their rules that the possession of Cannabis by mature individuals in a school context is "discouraged."
Under the heading "Implementation of the Cannabis Law in the Educational Sector," the Ministry informed the institutions on May 31st. However, this regulation only became public through a report by the "Rheinische Post," which the dpa has obtained.
Cannabis allowed - but "discouraged"
The Ministry's decree states that mature students and teachers are allowed to carry up to 25 grams of Cannabis in school according to the new federal law. However, the Ministry advises institutions to make a statement in the school rules or elsewhere that the bringing of Cannabis by mature individuals in a school context is "discouraged."
Only mature students may participate in class trips and may consume Cannabis on the spot, provided that minors are not present, according to the Ministry. However, consumption is still prohibited, as minors are likely to be present at the excursion destinations.
If a teacher were to consider growing Cannabis plants on school grounds for educational purposes, the Ministry also advises against it. "The cultivation of Cannabis plants on school grounds for educational purposes" is not permitted, according to the decree. This is because it does not fall under "scientific purposes," which are exceptions provided for in the federal law.
Criticism from the Parents' Association
The Parents' Association of Integrated Schools (LEiS) finds it "completely incomprehensible" that the federal government has not given schools the opportunity to "clearly prohibit the possession of Cannabis." Harald Amelang, the chairman, said: "This gap in the legal framework conditions represents a serious weakness in our education system and hinders schools in their important task of protecting our children and young people."
Ayla Çelik, the state head of the Education Union GEW, told the dpa: "It is hardly avoidable or controllable for mature students who consume Cannabis to stay away from the school premises." However, she added: "So far, we have not received any reports from schools indicating an increased consumption of Cannabis as a result of the Cannabis legalization."
- The 'Rheinische Post' reported on an amendment to the law regarding Cannabis, which was initially released by the Ministry of Education on May 31st.
- In Düsseldorf, the Ministry of Education clarified that mature students and teachers can carry up to 25 grams of Cannabis at school, despite the institution's rules discouraging its possession.
- The government of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) advocates for the partial legalization of Cannabis in schools, providing exceptions for mature individuals on class trips but prohibiting consumption where minors may be present.
- The decision to allow Cannabis at school has led to criticism from the Parents' Association (LEiS), which believes schools should have the power to explicitly deny its possession, citing concerns about addiction and harm to children.
- GEW's state head, Ayla Çelik, acknowledges challenges in preventing mature students from consuming Cannabis at school but mentions a lack of reports indicating an upsurge in its usage as a result of the legalization.
- The new regulations in North Rhine-Westphalia, one of Germany's largest federal states, have prompted mixed reactions from various stakeholders, such as educational unions and parents' associations, while also influencing discussions nationwide regarding drug policies in schools.
