In the vibrant city of Berlin, the dance between legality and temptation has taken a decisive turn with the partial legalization of cannabis. The Berlin police, ever vigilant guardians of the law, have equipped their officers in the field with a hefty arsenal of 800 scales, ready to weigh the delicate green nuances of cannabis during inspections. This was announced by the authorities in response to inquiries from rbb|24, showcasing their commitment to uphold the new cannabis consumption regulations. Yet, the police find themselves in a fog when it comes to understanding the impact of cannabis legalization on road safety. As of now, they have initiated 203 fine proceedings since April against drivers under the influence of THC, but alas, due to privacy regulations, comparisons to prior years have vanished into the ether. Furthermore, the effects on cyclists and e-scooter riders remain an enigma, shrouded in the shadows of uncertainty. With the arrival of Thursday, a new dawn brought fresh thresholds for cannabis consumption while driving. No longer should drivers harbor more than 3.5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood, lest they invite steep penalties. However, amidst these changes, the Berlin police navigate an intricate maze of jurisdiction and authority. Since the legalization, the domain of administrative agencies concerning cannabis violations remains nebulous and undefined. In an interim limbo, the police find themselves temporarily overseeing these infractions, yet unable to act decisively. Without clear workflows and a structured fine schedule, they are left powerless to address violations involving youth and health protections related to cannabis use. Between Tuesday and Thursday, the Berlin police charged forth with heightened scrutiny, their focus sharpened on ‘Drug Detection in Traffic.’ They inspected 812 vehicles, where in 43 instances, officers deemed it necessary to order blood tests for potential drug influence. This vigilant pursuit of safety highlights the ongoing challenges the city faces as it rides the waves of this new cannabis landscape, balancing enforcement with evolving social norms and health considerations.
Original Source: www.tagesschau.de
