BERNAU (dpa-AFX) - Veteran juvenile court judge Andreas Müller sees the planned law on the release of cannabis as a first step in the right direction to decriminalize users. However, he is also calling for improvements. "I'm missing an overall concept, namely, as originally planned, the controlled distribution of cannabis in appropriate stores." The new law is piecemeal and not fully thought through, Müller told the German Press Agency. The lawyer has been campaigning for the legalization of cannabis for decades.

Home cultivation and possession of certain quantities of the drug are to be permitted for adults from April 1. Clubs for joint cultivation are to become possible on July 1. The law is to be passed in the Bundestag in the week beginning February 19.

For the 62-year-old, legalization is primarily about freedom and equality rights for adults. "We are decriminalizing because we want to bring back civil rights." In Müller's opinion, the law will also restrict the black market. Because if people were able to grow their own in future, they would not need to resort to third parties.

Judge warns against scaremongering

In view of the critical voices on the legalization of the drug, particularly from the political arena, Müller calls for an honest approach to the issue. "What I see at the moment is permanent scaremongering with outdated arguments, without a scientific understanding of the narcotic cannabis." Politicians should ensure that young people are protected rather than criminalized. "It's not about prohibition, it's about prevention. And it's up to parents, not juvenile court judges," he made clear. His conclusion: "Yes, there will be problematic consumption, but with good prevention, fewer young people will smoke pot and have fewer problems. Young people who actually become addicted will be better able to repent medically and psychosocially."

Relief for the courts

With the new law, the judge also sees relief for the courts - although not immediately. According to him, around six percent of all cases are drug offenses. Many cases could be dropped due to the new criminal law, and the police would no longer have to continuously investigate minor offenses, then create files and send them to the public prosecutor's office - bureaucracy would be eliminated./na/DP/mis