Cannabis consumption in the Innviertel: Changes due to German laws are hardly noticeable!

Cannabis consumption in the Innviertel: Changes due to German laws are hardly noticeable!

On April 1, 2024, the Consumer Cannabis Act came into force in Germany, allowing people over 18 years of age to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal consumption. Despite this legal change, importing cannabis from abroad, even for personal use, remains a punishable offense Zoll.de reported. This is accompanied by a warning from customs that consumers should beware of possible criminal consequences.

In Austria, however, the handling of cannabis remains strictly regulated: import, possession and distribution are prohibited without exception. Experts from addiction counseling in the Innviertel state that legalization in Germany has so far had little impact on drug consumption in the region. Herbert Dutter-Kohlhofer explains that “nothing has actually changed” in the Innviertel and that fears about more drug traffickers near the border could not be confirmed ooe.orf.at.

Drug use status

According to a report by the Ministry of Health, 6 to 8 percent of young people in Austria currently use cannabis regularly, a number that has remained constant. Thomas Labacher from pro Mente highlights that the strict regulations in Germany, which only allow the purchase of cannabis in special clubs and for people over 18 years of age, probably ensure that Austrians have little incentive to stock up on the drug in Germany. The high availability of cannabis in Upper Austria and the strict penalties for drug smuggling also mean that users are in less danger Zoll.de notes.