A politician from a German conservative opposition party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), said he doesn't want Germany to become "the stoner capital of Europe."
Klaus Holetschek, head of the CSU parliamentary group in the Bavarian state parliament, told the RND media group that he wants nationwide sewerage monitoring to assess changes in cannabis consumption behaviour after a planned legalization takes effect.
"We need more checks so that Germany does not become the stoner capital of Europe," he said.
Wastewater monitoring is a well developed tool in Germany and became firmly established during the coronavirus pandemic, the former Bavarian health minister noted.
The aim is to find out how consumer behaviour changes after legalization takes effect. According to the law passed by the Bundestag, possession and cultivation of the drug will become legal from April 1, with numerous requirements for adults for personal use.
Holetschek called the law "wrong and dangerous."
"Early emotional and psychotic disorders will increase. The brain is still maturing up to the age of 25; anyone who consumes cannabis risks permanent damage," he said.