Suspended sentence for marijuana courier: sentence reduced after reform!

Suspended sentence for marijuana courier: sentence reduced after reform!

Significant changes are emerging in the story surrounding a 44-year-old man from Bruchhausen-Vilsen who was involved in a cannabis-related criminal case in 2021. At the time, the defendant was observed driving a borrowed car in which he was transporting a considerable amount of almost four kilograms of marijuana. Particularly spicy: At that time, marijuana and hashish were still considered narcotics under German law, which earned him a suspended sentence of ten months. This sentence was reduced to seven months on appeal because the court recognized the long proceedings and the defendant's exemplary behavior, as the Weser-Kurier reports.

However, the backstory is as exciting as it is tragic. Not only was the man in trouble with the law, but he was also dealing with personal problems. Job loss and relationship problems weighed on him. Involved in a relief effort for an old friend who had implicated him in the matter, the trip went awry. The friend and the person who stored the marijuana have already been legally convicted.

Changed legal situation regarding cannabis consumption

The defendant's situation has now developed positively. He has a new job, is married and no longer uses cannabis. But the legal framework for cannabis users has also changed. With the new cannabis law, which came into force on August 22, 2024, marijuana and its related products are no longer considered narcotics, which has changed the basis for discussion for many of those affected, including our protagonist. However, under the new law, drivers cannot simply continue driving; Road safety remains the top priority, as the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport emphasizes.

An important point here is the introduction of a THC limit of 3.5 ng/ml in blood serum. Anyone who exceeds this value or is under the significant influence of cannabis and alcohol must continue to face legal consequences. There is even a strict ban on cannabis for novice drivers, and mixed consumption remains inadmissible. A medical report only needs to be ordered if there are signs of cannabis dependence or abusive use.

New driving under the influence of cannabis

The new regulations provide more legal certainty for occasional users, but suitability to drive a vehicle depends on specific conditions depending on consumption patterns and THC limits. The current rule is: Anyone who consumes occasionally and does not exceed the permissible limits and does not show any abnormalities remains fit to drive. In the past, a THC level of 1.0 ng/ml often led to massive problems, but now expanded guidelines apply that reflect more diversity in people's consumption behavior. So everyday driving under normal conditions is definitely conceivable, as long as you don't get into the red and act responsibly.

The story of the Bruchhausen-Vilsener offers an interesting insight into the interface between personal fates and social developments. The court judged the man leniently not only because of his actions, but also because of his development. It is hoped that the cannabis law reforms will help raise awareness of road safety and responsible consumption.

For further information about the changes and the new rules, which also affect future road users, visit the websites of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Heskamp law firm.