독일 대마초 부분 합법화... 한국 국적자가 흡연 시 처벌 받아
[Date Registered] 2024-04-21 [Views] 3451
The German government partially legalized the use of cannabis on April 1st. German citizens aged 18 and over may possess up to 25g of cannabis in public spaces. Adults may also privately cultivate up to three cannabis plants per household. However, smoking cannabis is strictly prohibited within 100 meters of school buildings and sports facilities. In pedestrian zones, smoking cannabis is legally forbidden between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m..
The scope of cannabis allowances will expand starting this July. The core of this regulation change is to lift restrictions so that groups, not just individuals, can cultivate cannabis. Associations composed of up to 500 German residents aged 18 or older may be formed for the purpose of cannabis cultivation. These associations can cultivate and supply cannabis, but they are strictly prohibited from generating profit. Smoking cannabis at the cultivation site is also not permitted.
The local Korean community has largely not perceived a major change following the partial legalization of cannabis. Mr. Lee Ho-jin (26, Mannheim), who has lived in Germany for 19 years, stated, "I don't feel a big change in the atmosphere yet. Even before legalization, I could smell cannabis everywhere in Mannheim, including near the train station close to my residence". When asked for his opinion on the partial legalization of cannabis, he stated, "Ultimately, those who won't smoke won't, and those who will, will find a way somehow. If illegal trade or consumption occurs, it could bring about greater dangers than expected. I think it is better for trade to happen under regulation through legalization, within a reasonable level".
Mr. A (20, Frankfurt), who has lived in Germany for seven years, stated, "People were secretly smoking cannabis before, so I don't feel any difference". Regarding concerns that the legalization could increase the cannabis smoking rate and serve as a gateway to consuming narcotics, he commented, "Unlike the Netherlands, Germany does not allow cannabis ingredients to be included in other food items, so I don't think the smoking rate will increase". He added, "Exposure to narcotics is also possible through alcohol or tobacco".
However, there are also voices of concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about the side effects of cannabis smoking, summarizing recent research findings. Cannabis smoking impairs cognitive development, including learning ability. The WHO mentioned that "long-term cannabis smoking can cause greater disability and reduce the immune function of the lungs against pulmonary inflammation and infection". Furthermore, cannabis smoking during pregnancy can lead to impaired fetal development and cause a reduction in birth weight.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Frankfurt announced that despite the partial legalization of cannabis in Germany, "Korean nationals may be subject to punishment if they smoke or consume cannabis". The Criminal Law of the Republic of Korea applies the principle of nationality (active personality principle), meaning that even if one is in a country where cannabis is legalized, one can be punished under domestic Korean law. The Act on the Control of Narcotics (Narcotics Control Act) stipulates smoking, consumption, possession, and trade as criminal offenses.
< Search results for 'Cannabis' at REWE - Source: REWE website >
Products containing cannabis ingredients are openly sold in major German retail markets. On the online websites of leading German retailers REWE and DM, confirmed by the correspondent, the word 'Cannabis' is included in the product name or a cannabis image is printed on the product surface. This environment allows Korean nationals traveling in Germany to access such products without specific restrictions.
It is projected that the distribution of products containing cannabis ingredients will become more visible due to the partial legalization of cannabis. Therefore, extra caution is required for Korean nationals in Germany. Unintentional consumption of cannabis ingredients or cannabis smoking due to a misunderstanding of the legal system by Korean nationals can lead to punishment. When purchasing products at supermarkets, one must be sure to check whether cannabis ingredients are included and carefully look for cannabis-like terms such as 'Cannabisharz' or 'Haschisch'.