Cannabis legalization harms efforts against organized crime, says Berlin's justice senator

In Germany, partial cannabis legalization took effect on April 1, allowing adults over 18 to legally possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis and cultivate up to three marijuana plants at home. This legislation was hailed as a progressive step in drug policy, making Germany the third EU country to legalize adult-use cannabis, following Malta and Luxembourg. However, Felor Badenberg, the Senator for Justice in Berlin, has publicly criticized the law, declaring that it has instead hampered efforts to combat the black market and organized crime activities. Badenberg, a member of the CDU party, argued that what the government presented as a milestone in drug policy has proven to be detrimental to the country and should be repealed. A significant concern raised by Badenberg pertains to the law's impact on law enforcement's capabilities. Under the current framework, cannabis-related crimes are not classified as serious offenses, limiting the evidence prosecutors can use in criminal cases. For instance, essential tools such as telephone surveillance and expanded online searches are curtailed, which hampers the ability to gather evidence against drug dealers. This situation has led to drug dealers benefiting from the shortcomings in the law, as indicated in recent legal proceedings. A notable case involved a man whose conviction was challenged due to this legislative framework, prompting discussions among the judiciary about the implications of the cannabis law. Despite these challenges, the German government is continuing to develop the second phase of its cannabis legalization initiative. This phase involves establishing municipal pilot programs where state-controlled marijuana can be sold legally in licensed shops for a trial period. However, the ongoing debates and criticisms regarding the current law's effectiveness raise serious questions about the future of cannabis reform in Germany. Moreover, opposition to the legalization persists, with critics seizing every opportunity to argue against the reform, claiming that it is failing to deliver its intended protections for public safety and order. As the discussions unfold, it becomes clear that the landscape surrounding cannabis legalization in Germany is complex and fraught with challenges. The contrast between the initial promise of legal cannabis and the emerging realities reveals a need for a reevaluation of both the current legislation and the unfolding strategies for implementing cannabis use within the society. Lawmakers are under increasing pressure to address the implications of their policies, balancing the advancement of drug reform against the necessity of preserving public safety and combating criminal activity effectively.