(de-news.net) – Germany’s Federal Drug Commissioner Hendrik Streeck (CDU) has called for urgent amendments to the country’s cannabis legislation, citing contradictions within the current law and widespread public confusion between medical and recreational cannabis use. He expressed concern that the public debate often blurs the line between therapeutic cannabis prescribed in clinical settings and its recreational counterpart.

Streek stressed that this conflation is misleading and potentially dangerous, as it undermines the credibility of medical treatments and obscures the risks associated with non-medical use. He emphasized that cannabis remains a potent psychoactive substance, warning that its consumption poses a heightened risk of triggering severe psychotic episodes, particularly among individuals under the age of 25.

According to Streek, many substances used safely under medical supervision can be highly harmful when consumed outside regulated environments. Therefore, he insisted that rigorous standards for diagnosis and prescription must remain intact to preserve public trust in the healthcare system. He criticized the partial legalization for removing automatic pathways to addiction support for minors caught using cannabis, describing this change as a significant setback in public health policy.

In addition to legal reforms, Streeck advocated for stronger youth protection measures. He called for expanded access to educational initiatives, preventive programs, and support services aimed at informing young people about the risks of cannabis use. While opposing the overall criminalization of cannabis users, Streeck underscored the importance of pragmatic and protective approaches. He argued that Germany’s estimated five million regular cannabis consumers should be guided away from the black market through sensible regulation, not pushed back into illegal channels by overly punitive measures.