Vienna (OTS) – Wotschke: “Legalization can dry up the black market and strengthen the protection of minors.”
The possession and consumption of cannabis has been legal for adults in Germany since midnight today, subject to certain conditions. The Young NEOS have been calling for the legalization of cannabis in Austria for a long time. The JUNOS argue that despite the ban, cannabis consumption has increased, the black market is growing and the cannabis purchased there is associated with increased health risks.
“If you want to put dealers out of work, you have to legalize cannabis. The controlled distribution leads to more security and stronger protection of minors,” says JUNOS federal chairwoman Sophie Wotschke.
The JUNOS see legalization in Germany as groundbreaking. According to current data, 28 percent of young adults in Austria have used cannabis at least once. In view of these developments, the JUNOS are once again calling for a rethink in this area. “If they haven’t used it themselves, everyone knows someone who has. Yes, there are more important issues, but the police also have more important issues,” says the federal chairwoman of JUNOS with certainty.
If the Young NEOS have their way, the tax revenue should be used to promote prevention and education. “The Austrian cannabis policy leads to negative consequences such as contamination and the promotion of criminal structures,” says Sophie Wotschke.
“The legalization of cannabis is a step towards greater safety and more education. There needs to be an evidence-based approach to the topic of cannabis,” Wotschke concluded.
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JUNOS – Young Liberals NEOS
Fabienne Lackner
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