Zur Diskussion / Up for Discussion. Schützt Cannabis-Strafverfolgung die Gesundheit junger Menschen? Zur Umsetzung des Cannabisgesetzes / Does Cannabis Prosecution Protect Young People's Health? On the Implementation of the Cannabis Act.

Abstract

Does Cannabis Prosecution Protect Young People's Health? On the Implementation of the Cannabis Act Different drug policy alternatives involve their respective opportunities and risks. When weighing up the options, a large number of stakeholders concluded that criminal prosecution of cannabis protects the bio-psycho-social health of young people less than decriminalisation. They demanded and welcome the new regulation of cannabis, also in terms of the protection of minors. The extent to which the legal status of cannabis influences the consumption patterns of the young population isn't assessed uniformly by studies in different countries. Against this background, a 'numbers competition' is less helpful than looking at other, validly proven parameters for mental illnesses including substance disorders, e.g. poverty and education. The article argues in favour of making the Cannabis Act helpful for young people through cooperation between the various stakeholders. Two examples of this are highlighted: early intervention in accordance with Section 7 KCanG and the topic of 'motivation-, counselling- and treatment-chains'. The latter takes the demands of the Transition Psychiatry Task Force (2021) further as a proposal.