Bubatz card in Leipzig: Where cannabis enjoyment remains legally problematic

Bubatz card in Leipzig: Where cannabis enjoyment remains legally problematic

When it comes to cannabis, there is a big discourse in Leipzig and nationwide that is not only about the new cannabis law, but also about the question of the practical implementation and responsibility of consumers. Even if many legal hurdles have been dismantled with the new law, cannabis users are faced with new problems - especially when it comes to where consumption is allowed in public space.

The city council group of the left suggested creating a special "bubate card". This should provide an overview of those places where smoking cannabis would be allowed without legal consequences. But the city's health department has decided to clearly reject this proposal. According to the authorities, the challenge of comprehensively defining such places would simply be too complex and would not offer legal security.

legal uncertainties and challenges

The health department emphasizes that there is already difficulty when interpreting paragraph 5 of the cannabis law, in particular with regard to the protection of children and adolescents. Questions remain unanswered which facilities fall under the ban on consumption - are these only publicly funded or private institutions? Such definition issues are difficult for the municipalities to clarify, and the ambiguities are a constant companion in the legal application.

Another major problem is the distance control. The legally prescribed distance of more than 100 meters from the entrance area of ​​facilities is not clearly defined. Where does this radius begin and end? Such ambiguities consider the possibility of reliable security considerably, both for the users and for the regulatory authorities. According to the health department, the complexity and the change in the legal framework have meant that a orphaned and legally relevant "bubate card" in the city cannot be implemented.

In addition, those responsible point out that numerous cards and apps already exist from private providers who can be used as guidelines for responsible use of cannabis. An urban offer would not be able to guarantee greater accuracy or legal liability.

personal responsibility of the consumer

A central point on the part of the authorities emphasizes that the decision to intervene in the intervention depends on the individual cases. It is not the city's task to patronize consumers. Consumers are encouraged to take on a certain personal responsibility instead of expecting the state to take care of everything. After all, the regulations are not intended to completely prohibit consumption, but the users should be able to understand and respect the legal framework conditions.

In the debate, representatives of other political groups, such as the left, also spoke as an inconsistent compared to existing tobacco and alcohol. The health authority notes that a large number of prohibition signs do not represent the solution to the challenges in dealing with addictions. In fact, the prohibition locations arise directly from the new law, and additional signs are not necessary - on the contrary, it could rather lead to confusion.

Michael Neuhaus, a member of the city council, finally admitted that the city did not have the task of monitoring and regulating the consumption of cannabis, and withdrawn his application for the bubatz card. This step could be considered a wake -up call for many cities, which are also faced with the complexity of the new laws.