Burkhard Blienert asks German regions not to block pilot projects for the sale of cannabis

The German federal government's anti-drugs commissioner, Burkhard Blienert, has issued a warning that union-governed regions such as Bavaria should not put obstacles in the way of planned pilot tests for the commercial sale of cannabis. The government coalition will examine whether it is even necessary for states to have a say in legislation for commercial sales.

The coalition that makes up the German government will verify whether a binding opinion is really necessary from the various regions and states where pilot projects can be implemented. The announcement comes after Burkhard Blienert, anti-drug commissioner of the German federal government, told RND that he will not allow “pilot projects not to happen because they do not suit state and regional governments due to ideological blindness”.

The position taken comes after statements by the Bavarian Minister of Health, Klaus Holetschek, who stated that they would not go ahead with pilot projects for the commercialization of licensed cannabis in Bavaria. Bienert also called for funds in the tens of millions a year to expand prevention work for children and young people, in parallel with the legalization of cannabis, stating that "Legal is by no means harmless".