It was April 1, 2024, when the Germany has officially legalized cannabis. And if on the one hand there was talk of a "historic turning point", on the other hand comments from prohibitionists could not be missing, predicting a disaster on the horizon.
A year later? I data they tell a completely different story. No health emergency, chaos or explosion in consumption.
Just numbers that should make you think Italy, and the rest of the European member states, on which model to adopt.
Legalization in Germany one year later: what happened
Stop criminalizing simple consumers. Countering the black market and cut off the legs of criminal activities.
These were the main objectives of the German reform, which allows to adults aged 18 and over to possess and grow cannabis, both at home privately and in an associated form in cannabis social clubs.
However, the legislation is also called dei limits very precise: age, maximum possession of inflorescences, consumption in public places and prohibitions near schools or areas frequented by minors. Which have borne fruit.
In fact, more than a year after legalization, let's start from the data that belies the general moral panic: consumption among young people remained stable. Indeed, a declining trend already evident since the first reform was confirmed.
But it doesn't end here. Even for adults, no emergencies related to cannabis use were recorded.
What does it mean for Italy (which is going in the opposite direction)?
While Germany demonstrates that legalization works, and boasts one of the largest cannabis markets in the world, hemp in Italy is on a razor's edge, with a government decree that would like to wipe out the entire canapic sector.
The paradox? We spend millions of euros every year between prisons, courts and law enforcement to combat a phenomenon that we could regulate, tax and make safer.
Today the decision is in the hands of European Court of Justice, which will mark a point of no return for all member states.
After years of laws, sentences and trials, the Court of the EU will definitively clarify whether a Member State, may or may not apply autonomous restrictions on hemp. And adapt to community lines.
| For further information: "Outlawed, Europe has the future of hemp in Italy in its hands"
The German lesson is clear: legalizing does not increase consumption. The opposite. It gives control, ensures tax revenue, protects consumers. And it takes power away from crime. All that remains is to move in this direction.
