Weed soon to be legal

Cannabis: major concerns about new drug tourism

It's no April Fool's joke: from next Monday, April 1, it will be legal to possess and consume cannabis in Germany. The police are planning a crackdown, drug researchers warn.

The Upper Austrian ÖVP under state leader Thomas Stelzer made it a major issue and hoped to be able to influence the decision, but ultimately all efforts were in vain: the German Bundesrat has waved through the easing of restrictions on the use of cannabis decided by the German Ampel (the coalition consisting of the SPD, Greens and FDP) - despite a major veto by Bavaria, which has friendly ties with Upper Austria.

Effects on Upper Austria feared 
From April 1st, it will be legal to consume and possess cannabis in the neighboring state. LH Stelzer fears drug tourism and also sees an impact on our province - especially in the border region.

In recent months, ÖVP state party secretary Florian Hiegelsberger has often drawn attention to the dangers of cannabis legalization in Germany.(Bild: Markus Wenzel)

"Want to keep an eye on everything"
 Regional Party Secretary Florian Hiegelsberger says: "The decision by the German Federal Council is regrettable. It ignores all the warnings from the police, medicine and the judiciary. We must now keep a close eye on the effects on Upper Austria and remain vigilant. For us in Upper Austria, the protection of health, young people and safety remain our top priorities."

Stricter regulation, more controls
Upper Austria's police recently announced stricter controls, and the state government wants to draw attention to the dangers with further public relations work. Today, State Vice-President Christine Haberlander and Linz-based addiction researcher Kurosch Yazdi-Zorn will advocate more control and stricter regulation of cannabis.