Rethinking drug policy: VisionDeutschland's path to a sensible approach to addiction
Rethinking Drug Policy
The "War on Drugs" has failed. Bans and penalties have not reduced consumption, but created crime and health problems. VisionDeutschland is taking a new path: We want to decriminalize drug policy, protect citizens' health, and treat addiction as it is â a health issue. We choose reason.
Legalize cannabis â Dampen the black market, generate taxes:
Cannabis legalization
Cannabis is as widespread in Germany as ever. Yet the policy still clings to prohibition â with fatal consequences! The black market is booming, criminal organizations earn millions, and consumers are exposed to health risks. VisionDeutschland says: It's time for a new path! Control instead of black market. Quality instead of cutting agents.
Legalization & Control
We are creating a legal and controlled market for cannabis in Germany. This brings many benefits:
- Dampen the black market: Criminal organizations lose their source of income. Crime decreases.
- Youth protection: Strictly controlled sales only to adults. Sales to minors are prohibited and strictly monitored.
- Quality controls: The strictest controls ensure an unadulterated product without dangerous cutting agents.
- Health protection: Better education about risks and direct access to counseling and therapy.
- Relief for the justice system: Police and justice will again focus on real criminals instead of pursuing consumers.
Economy & Finance
Tax revenues: The revenues flow directly into prevention, education and addiction therapy. We invest in the health of our citizens and effectively combat addiction.
Economic benefits:
- New jobs: In cultivation, processing and trade we create new prospects for workers.
- Regional value creation: Promotion of domestic cultivation to strengthen the German economy.
- Innovation and research: Investments in the development of cannabis products, also for medical purposes.
Decriminalization of other substances â addiction as a health issue:
Addiction is a disease
Instead of fighting addiction, the previous policy created suffering and crime. VisionDeutschland breaks with this failed policy and adopts a humane and effective approach. We decriminalize consumers. Those who are addicted need a doctor, not a judge.
Patient instead of criminal
Addiction is not a character flaw, but a disease. We eliminate stigma and offer help to overcome addiction.
- Addiction counseling: Expansion of low-threshold services for affected people and relatives.
- Treatment places: Massive investments in expanding places and qualifying therapists.
- Integration: Support in returning to a self-determined life in society.
Safer-Use & Safety
Education about risks and the provision of rules to minimize health damage. We promote 'Safer Use'.
- Safe consumption rooms: Hygienic conditions under medical supervision prevent overdose deaths.
- Drug-Checking: Testing the purity of drugs to detect contaminants.
- Education campaigns: Nationwide information about the risks of consumption.
- Safer-Use training: Practical knowledge for harm reduction.
Scientific findings: Studies show that decriminalization reduces overdose deaths and new infections. We advocate for evidence-based drug policy.
Prevention and education â Information and knowledge instead of bans:
Prevention in schools
Honest education instead of scare stories. We want to inform children and adolescents early about risks and provide skills for responsible use â or to avoid starting altogether.
Education & Knowledge
- Interactive workshops: Playful learning about effects and risks in school lessons.
- Personal accounts: We invite former users to raise awareness among students about the dangers of addiction.
- Online platforms: Support services and information directly accessible to young people.
- Parental work: Involving parents through information evenings and counseling offers.
Life skills (Resilience)
We strengthen children's personalities so they never turn to drugs. Empower them for life's challenges.
- Strengthen resilience: Promote the ability to cope healthily with stress and crises.
- Social skills: Train communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
- Stress management: Teaching mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
- Self-confidence: Encourage children to believe in themselves.
Goal: Health protection through destigmatization, strengthening protective factors, and minimizing risk factors such as poverty and social isolation.
Expand therapy options â help instead of punishment:
Addicts need help, not condemnation. VisionDeutschland relies on a comprehensive and easily accessible help system.
Low-threshold help
- Counseling centers: A comprehensive network for free and anonymous counseling.
- Self-help groups: Promote exchange and mutual support.
- Streetwork: Provide help directly in the living environment of people with addiction.
- Mobile services: Reach affected individuals who cannot attend fixed locations.
Professionalization
- Health insurers: Full cost coverage for addiction therapies.
- Reduce waiting times: Quick help through increased capacity.
- Innovative therapies: Promote research into pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and technology-based (Apps/VR) methods.
The drug policy roadmap
- Legalize cannabis: Start the legislative process. Create conditions for a controlled market. Pilot projects for cannabis social clubs.
- Education & prevention: Launch nationwide campaigns about risks. Establish life skills training in schools.
- Decriminalization: Implement legal changes for possession and consumption of all drugs. Focus on health rather than punishment.
- Safer Use: Introduction of drug checking and establishment of consumption rooms in major cities.
- Therapy sites: Massive investments in capacity and research in the field of innovative addiction therapy.
- Evaluation: Adjusting policy based on the latest scientific findings.
- International exchange: Best-practice dialogue for continuous improvement of health protection.
- Sustainable strategy: Strengthening addiction prevention as an integral part of the health system.