Cannabis legalization: Officials have a duty – follow the rules!

Officials in Austria are currently faced with an alarming situation involving drug smuggling. A recent customs operation brought a particularly bold case to light: a vehicle that stood out due to its unusual choice of route was examined more closely by the customs officers. The service dog “Joker” was used during the search and was able to discover 853 grams of cannabis herb in the trunk. The driver admitted that he was transporting the drugs. This was not the only incident: a few weeks earlier, “Joker” had found 3.1 kilograms of cannabis in a parcel delivery vehicle, which had a street value of around 31,000 euros. Both incidents highlight the ongoing problem of drug smuggling in the region, as previously reported by vorarlberg.orf.at reported.

However, with the legalization of cannabis in Germany on April 1, 2024, the working environment for civil servants has also changed. According to the new law, adults in Germany are now allowed to legally consume and even grow cannabis, although strict regulations must be observed. Civil servants must begin their duties in a clear state. Consuming drugs, including cannabis, while on duty is a breach of duty. This could have serious legal consequences and could result in officers being ineligible for accident care in the event of an accident if they were under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident, as stated by civil servantsworld.de explained.

Risks and rules for civil servants

Civil servants are obliged to ensure that they are not under the influence of intoxicants not only while on duty but also throughout their working hours. Although the new regulations on cannabis consumption provide the freedom to consume cannabis, the use of intoxicants at work poses a significant risk. The law makes it clear that judgment can be impaired during consumption, which has serious consequences for the performance of complex tasks. Officials who violate these regulations could face not only disciplinary action, but also legal action in the event of harmed third parties.