The Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists has spoken out in favor of releasing cannabis. At the same time, the association emphasized the dangers of alcohol and therefore calls for stricter sales regulations.
The Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists has spoken out in favor of the legalization of cannabis and stricter rules for the sale of alcohol. In a statement, the chamber stated that both substances should only be sold in licensed specialist shops in the future. In addition, all legal drugs should only be allowed to be sold to people over the age of 18, according to the association.
Chamber of Psychotherapists speaks out in favor of legalizing cannabis
In particular, the clear positioning for the legalization of cannabis came as a surprise, since in the past doctors and scientists had repeatedly warned of the dangers of cannabis consumption, especially among adolescents. At the request of stern, Dietrich Munz, President of the Chamber of Psychotherapists, explained: “The current drug policy has failed when it comes to cannabis. Bans and criminalization do not help us.”
Instead, the chamber wants an open approach to the topic of drugs. In this context, education and prevention are more effective in order to be able to talk about substances without being stigmatized. The goal remains the same,” emphasizes the Chamber: “Avoiding drug abuse and addiction”. On this issue, however, Munz emphasized to the star: “A drug-free life is desirable for every individual, but not entirely realistic.” Cannabis is not harmless and in particular harbors the risk of psychosis, but despite the ban, the use of cannabis has been increasing for decades.
Munz also referred to studies from other countries where cannabis was legalized – with little impact on the number of users: “In countries where cannabis was legalized, we observed that use by young people was not and that of older people only slightly increased.”
In order to regulate the release, the Chamber proposes limiting the content of the psychoactive substance THC to a maximum of 15 percent.
“Alcohol is the much more dangerous drug than cannabis”
In addition to the legalization of cannabis, the Chamber of Psychotherapists is particularly concerned with the very lax handling of alcohol in Germany. Excessive consumption of alcohol can also lead to serious mental illnesses. The drug is extremely cheap in Germany and available practically around the clock. Munz makes it clear: “Alcohol is a much more dangerous drug than cannabis. That’s exactly why we want to control alcohol sales.”
One in five people in Germany drink a lot of alcohol, which is risky. This could be deadly, according to the Chamber. Cannabis, on the other hand, is considered a moderately harmful drug.
The Chamber of Psychotherapists proposes a similar model for the sale of cannabis as for the sale of cannabis: According to this, the Chamber wishes that both substances should only be sold in licensed shops where expert staff work in order to control the delivery more strictly. In addition, there would be a ban on the sale of alcohol for minors.
But the biggest problem with alcohol is the price. Here, the chamber proposes a tax increase to increase the price of individual drinks: “A higher tax is the most effective way to reduce alcohol sales,” says Munz. In other countries, such as Scandinavia or Australia, alcohol consumption has fallen sharply after a tax increase.
Chamber of Psychotherapists supports drug commissioner’s course
With its statement, the Chamber of Psychotherapists largely supports the course of the drug commissioner of the federal government, Burkhard Blienert (SPD).
In an interview with the star a few weeks ago, Blienert also emphasized that criminal law was “not a means that works” with regard to cannabis. Blienert also advocated release and sale in licensed shops to regulate sales.
In addition, the SPD politician spoke out in favor of a ban on the sale of alcohol for minors and a ban on advertising alcohol and tobacco. Blienert also criticized the cheap alcohol prices in Germany and the low-threshold offer, for example in supermarkets and gas stations.
Sources: Opinion of the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists, with material from DPA
