Marijuana-legalization debated in german parliament

http://www.huffingtonpost.de/2015/03/20/bundestag-cannabis-gesetz_n_6907974.html?utm_hp_ref=germany
(article in german)

http://www.dw.de/high-time-for-medical-marijuana-in-germany/a-18231922
(article in english, but older)



The Green party has just introduced a draft for a bill legalizing marijuana to the german parliament. (Literally just a few hours ago as of this posting.) The aim of their draft is to allow a purchase of up to 30 gram per person and the possession and harvest of up to 3 plants per person.

Supporters:
- the green party (resistance to marijuana is built on taboos)
- the far left party (treat marijuana like alcohol: legalize & regulate)
- police (arresting people for tiny amounts of marijuana is too much hassle and bureaucracy)
- 122 justices signed a petition (people are criminalized for doing something not that bad)
- doctors (marijuana can cause mental health problems, especially to children, but is not that addictive)

Supporters for medicinal marijuana:
- The federal drug commissioner of Germany, a staunch opponent until recently, seeks to get marijuana partially legalized for medicinal uses. The bill is supposed to get finished this year so it can be in effect next year already.
- Chancellor Merkel is strictly against a full legalization because the THC-content has risen over the years, turning marijuana into a powerful drug. But she would like to see patients have easier access to medicinal marijuana.