US states vote for cannabis legalization

The US states Washington and Colorado are voting for full cannabis legalization

07.11.2012

The citizens of the US states of Washington and Colorado yesterday decided to fully legalize cannabis. Unlike many German media reports, it's not just about decriminalizing occasional consumption. In the US, for example, marijuana is regulated, controlled and taxed in the same way as alcohol for the first time in the US. Also in Germany, the Hanfverband e.V. expects "an intensified discussion about the expensive and senseless ban on hemp".

The implementation of the initiatives is governed by strict rules in US voting law. The German Hemp Association and US organizations such as NORML or the Drug Policy Alliance expect a speedy implementation of the proposals and speak of a historic event. For the foreseeable future, it will be the first cannabis specialty store for adults in the world, although this could lead to some conflicts with the US federal level, as it is the case with the cannabis pharmacies in California.

There will be less resistance under Obama than under Romney. Two years ago, the Obama administration had mobilized against a similar vote in California, but this time held back. This is probably also because now 59 percent of Americans are for the complete legalization of cannabis - and Obama was known in earlier years as an avid Marijuana fan.

"Today, history is written, this is an important milestone in the international debate on a reasonable regulation of the cannabis market", said Georg Wurth of the German Hemp Association (DHV).

The DHV also expects a fresh wind in the debate for Germany. The fact that the topic had landed in second place in Merkel's Dialogue on the Future shows the great need for discussion in this country as well. In the Bundestag, the topic will be on the agenda again on November 29, when the request of the left to introduce cannabis cultivation clubs is on the agenda. The Greens have again launched a request for decriminalization. While Wurth is not expecting any progress in this legislative period, "but politics will not let go of the topic, we will stay tuned." (Pm)

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Image: Manfred Schimmel