Two thirds of Germans believe cannabis legalisation will have a negative impact on road safety

Just under two thirds (64%) of German consumers believe that the legalisation of cannabis will gave a negative effect on road safety, a study by TÜV Verband has found.

According to the study, close to one in five (18%) believe that legalisation will have no consequences at all on road safety, while 7% believe it will have a positive effect.

Some 2,500 people aged 16 or over were surveyed, and 11% were unable to give an assessment, TÜV Verband said.

Awareness of danger

“The vast majority of citizens are aware of the dangers of cannabis while driving,” commented Fani Zaneta, road safety officer at TÜV Verband.

“Cannabis consumption leads, among other things, to longer reaction times, reduced ability to concentrate and impaired perception. The risk of accidents increases if drivers are inexperienced or have also consumed other intoxicants such as alcohol.”

Cannabis decriminalisation

Cannabis possession and home cultivation were decriminalised in Germany on April 1. Under the new law, adults over 18 can possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and grow up to three plants at home. Starting July 1, non-commercial ‘cannabis clubs’ can supply up to 500 members with a maximum of 50 grams per member per month.

TÜV pointed to studies in the US that indicate that the number of accidents in certain states increased after the legalisation of cannabis – in Washington State, for example, the number of fatal accidents where THC content was a factor increased by 1%.

“At this point in time, relaxing the regulations is negligent,” Zaneta added.