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Cannabis Legalization Debate in Germany

German Health Minister defends cannabis legalization against criticism from the Union, citing the need to make existing consumption safer. Opponents argue it will increase drug market size and benefit organized crime.

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German

Germany

PoliticsHealthGermany CrimeLawDrugs

SpdCsuUnionAmpelkoalitionBundestag

Karl LauterbachSilke LaunertFelor BadenbergKirsten Kappert-Gonther

What are the main arguments against the legalization?: Lauterbach argued that there is no evidence that legalization increases cannabis consumption and that the current law aims to make existing consumption safer by regulating the market and reducing health risks associated with unregulated products.
Who are the main political actors involved in this debate?: Critics like CSU MP Silke Launert argued that the law has not achieved its goals and has instead led to a larger drug market controlled by criminal organizations.
What are the plans of the opposition if they win the next election?: If the Union wins the upcoming election, they have pledged to repeal the cannabis legalization law, indicating the significant political division surrounding this issue.
What are the potential consequences of the legalization on the drug market?: The Berlin Senator for Justice, Felor Badenberg, criticized the law for failing to protect public health and argued that it would benefit organized crime.
What is the main argument in favor of the partial legalization of cannabis in Germany?: German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach defended the partial legalization of cannabis against criticism from the Union in the Bundestag, stating the aim is to make existing consumption safer and not to increase it.

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