Further Normalization of THC Drugs, Marijuana Will Have Devastating Consequences, Especially for Germany’s Young People
WASHINGTON, DC) – Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former White House drug policy advisor to Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton, released the following statement today in response to the German Bundestag’s vote to decriminalize marijuana and allow members of “cannabis clubs” to buy THC drugs and marijuana for recreational purposes:
“Big Marijuana knows no bounds in their pursuit of profits over people. German Medical Association President Klaus Reinhardt said himself that ‘this country does not need cannabis legalization.’ Though we knew this was always a priority for the ruling coalition, it is still regrettable German politicians bought the addiction-for-profit industry’s lies. Now the German people, especially young people and those suffering from substance use disorders, will bear the consequences.
“While today’s vote is not a full victory for the legalizers since it is a much whittled down version of their attempt at full-blown commercialization, it will further normalize use in a way that will inevitably lead to more addiction, morem mental health consequences, and serious public safety ramifications. Legalizing today’s high-potency, industrialized THC drugs and marijuana has resulted in negative impacts to public health and safety everywhere it’s been done, and it will be no different in Germany.
“Although the ruling coalition likes to portray this as a ‘European approach’ – one that avoids the pitfalls of a Colorado-style policy – we know they work simultaneously on establishing commercial sales through their ‘trials’– and legalization groups say openly that this is a first step towards a fully commercial market. Now that the process enters the stage of mediation, we will continue to be engaged in stopping full commercialization.
“Germans should expect youth use to increase, more drugged driving accidents and fatalities, higher rates of drug addiction, more emergency room visits, increases in accidental exposures, and greater instances of substance use disorders. Medical, scientific and government data across countries conclusively proves these consequences.”