The "Cannabis Parade" Took Place In Berlin
Supporters of cannabis consumption legalization held a large event in Berlin on Saturday as part of the traditional Cannabis Parade. According to police reports, after the held rally, around 500-600 participants took part in a city-wide march, as reported by DPA.
The organizers of the march have been advocating for the legalization of drugs such as marijuana and hashish, derived from hemp, for many years. They also promote easier access to medical cannabis and the popularization of hemp usage.
The Cannabis Parade has been taking place since 1997. About 1,500 people participated in it last year. This year's slogan was: "Hemp - a resource for harmony and ecology."
The German government plans to legalize cannabis. It's known that adults will be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and grow up to three plants for personal use.
The sale of cannabis in regular stores will be prohibited. Instead, cultivation and distribution of cannabis will be allowed in specialized "hemp clubs."
The Minister of Health of Germany, Karl Lauterbach, had expected that his bill would be considered by the government next week. However, on Saturday, the German Association of Judges (DRB) again expressed criticism of the law.
"A very small law in terms of scope will lead to a high level of government control, numerous new disputes, and numerous court hearings," explained Sven Reben, the national director of DRB. According to him, the black market for these drugs will not decrease due to the proposed legislation.
Recall that in March 2023, the Higher Administrative Court of the Czech Republic ruled after years of legal dispute that the so-called Cannabis Church cannot be considered a religious doctrine, and its followers cannot establish corresponding organizations.
The lawsuit was filed by a Czech citizen and "representative of the organizing committee" of the Cannabis Church, Dushan Dvorzak, who was repeatedly sentenced to imprisonment for cannabis possession. The man promotes the medical benefits of marijuana use, which has been criticized by medical professionals and human rights advocates. The Czech Ministry of Culture ultimately concluded that the "church" does not meet the conditions defined by the law, and its doctrine cannot be considered a religious belief. The Prague City Court, where Dvorzak tried to challenge the decision, also sided with the Ministry.