After change of law - NRW cannot ban cannabis in schools
After the legalization of Cannabis, it is not permissible for adults to prohibit students and teachers from carrying the substance with them. The Ministry made this clear in a letter to all institutions. However, schools are encouraged to make a statement in their school rules that the possession of Cannabis by adults is "discouraged" in the educational context.
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"
According to the Ministry's decree, adults are allowed to carry up to 25 grams of Cannabis in school under the new federal law. However, the Ministry strongly advises institutions to make a statement in the school regulations or other appropriate ways that the possession of Cannabis by adults is "discouraged" in the school context.
No Smoking on Class Trips
Adult students may consume Cannabis during class trips, provided that minors are not present, according to the Ministry. However, smoking Cannabis is still prohibited, as minors are likely to be present at the destinations.
If a teacher considers growing Cannabis plants in school for educational purposes, the Ministry puts a stop to that idea. "Growing 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," as exceptions to the federal law provide.
Criticism from the Parents' Association
The Parents' Association of Integrated Schools (LEiS) found it "completely incomprehensible" that the federal government did not give schools the opportunity to issue clear prohibitions on the possession of Cannabis. Harald Amelang, the chairman, stated: "This gap in the legal framework conditions represents a serious weakness in our education system and hinders schools in their essential task of protecting our children and young people."
Ayla Çelik, the state leader of the Education Union GEW, told the dpa: "It is hardly avoidable or controllable for full-age students who consume Cannabis to stay within the school premises." However, "so far, we have not received any reports from schools indicating an increased consumption of Cannabis as a consequence of the Cannabis legalization."
See above in the video: After the Cannabis legalization in Germany, the question arises as to how consumption affects driving ability – RTL reporter Linda Elden performs a self-test.
Transparency note: The star is part of RTL Germany.
- Despite the partial legalization of Cannabis in North Rhine-Westphalia, the government advises schools to discourage its possession by adults within the educational context, as stated in a recent letter from the Ministry.
- The Ministry's decree allows adults to carry up to 25 grams of Cannabis in schools, as outlined under the new federal law, but they strongly urge institutions to express this as "discouraged" in their school rules.
- The Parents' Association of Integrated Schools (LEiS) criticized the lack of clear prohibitions on Cannabis possession in schools, calling it a serious weakness in the education system.
- According to the decree, smoking Cannabis is still prohibited in schools, even if minors are not present, as the presence of minors is likely at the trip destinations.
- The Rhinische Post reported on May 31st about the Ministry's regulation, which only became public after the dpa obtained the information.
- Ayla Çelik, the state leader of the Education Union GEW, mentioned that controlling full-age students who consume Cannabis within school premises is challenging and that they have not noticed any increased Cannabis consumption as a result of the legalization.
