German police would rather have cannabis in their country than have to deal with rude, drunk football fans from England. They shared this view recently, as they get ready for a big sports event that will change the area.
The UEFA Euro 2024 is set to take place in Germany from June 14 to July 14. Fans from all over Europe are getting ready for the tournament. Among the 24 teams competing for the European Championship trophy are England and Scotland. Last weekend, about 40,000 fans of the England team, known as the Three Lions, gathered in Gelsenkirchen for England’s first game against Serbia.
To handle the large crowds and prevent trouble, a huge security operation was set up. Many news media outlets report that the operation was bigger than ever before to stop any “hooliganism.” English football fans have been warned not to chant offensive songs that might anger fans from other teams.
The 2024 UEFA European Football Championship is the 17th time this event has been held. It is organized by UEFA and features men’s national teams from its member countries. The team that wins Euro 2024 will go on to play in the 2025 CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions against the winner of the 2024 Copa América.
German police hope that by being strict and prepared, they can keep the peace and ensure that everyone enjoys the football matches without any major incidents. They believe that keeping order is crucial for the success of this major international event.
In an unconventional move, German police are encouraging England fans heading to UEFA Euro 2024 to choose cannabis over beer to maintain peace. At the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, low-alcohol beer will be served to minimize potential trouble, but the local police are promoting another strategy: offering pot to fans.
Cannabis, known for inducing a calmer state of mind, is seen as a way to keep emotions in check and prevent aggression. "It’s no problem for fans to smoke cannabis on the street," a Gelsenkirchen Police spokesperson told The Sun. "If we see a group of people drinking alcohol and looking a bit aggressive, and another group smoking cannabis, of course we’ll look at the group drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol can make someone more aggressive, and smoking cannabis puts people in a chill mood. We want to prevent violence and keep people safe."
The spokesperson emphasized that the focus will be on monitoring fans consuming alcohol, which has a higher potential for inciting violence. "That’s why we have safety precautions in place regarding alcohol."
Chief Inspector Christof Burghardt echoed these sentiments, describing England’s opening game as "high-risk" due to the historical presence of hooligans on both sides. "Serbia has many hooligans. The English guys, with alcohol, they are very aggressive. So it’s a great job to do this, to prepare, so that hopefully nothing will happen," Burghardt told Sky News.
Burghardt highlighted the importance of early intervention to prevent violence. "The biggest challenge for us will be to identify violent, disruptive groups at an early stage, to separate them from peaceful and law-abiding fans."
By encouraging cannabis use and limiting alcohol, German authorities aim to create a safer, more relaxed environment for all fans attending Euro 2024. This approach marks a significant shift in crowd control strategy, focusing on reducing aggression and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the event for everyone.
Germany Legalizes Recreational Cannabis Use
Germany has taken a bold step by legalizing cannabis for personal use, effective April 1, 2024. This groundbreaking move ends the prohibition for adults, allowing possession, home cultivation, and the establishment of cannabis clubs.
The legislative journey began with the Bundestag, Germany’s parliamentary chamber, which approved the bill earlier in the year. The final nod came from the Bundesrat in March, representing the country’s 16 federal states. Under the CanG bill, adults aged 18 and older can possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and store up to 50 grams at home. Additionally, individuals are permitted to grow up to three cannabis plants per household.
On July 1, Germany's cannabis legalization plan fully rolled out, introducing non-commercial cannabis clubs. These clubs provide members access to legally cultivated cannabis and are capped at 500 members each. While the legislation allows for these clubs, it does not extend to for-profit cannabis producers or retailers, maintaining a strictly non-commercial approach.
This progressive change in policy marks a significant shift in Germany’s approach to cannabis, promoting safe and regulated use among adults. By establishing cannabis clubs and permitting limited personal cultivation, Germany aims to create a controlled and responsible environment for cannabis consumption. This historic move is set to influence cannabis policies across Europe and offers a new model for regulation and community-based cannabis use.
"The fight was worth it," proclaimed Health Minister Karl Lauterbach on X, as reported by Politico. "Please use the new option responsibly." He added, "Hopefully, this is the beginning of the end for the black market."
With the Bundesrat's approval, Germany is set to join Malta and Switzerland in the elite group of European nations embracing limited cannabis legalization. This historic move allows adults to legally possess and grow cannabis, offering a safer alternative for inebriation at football events.
For British football fans, this new law presents an opportunity to reshape their reputation. By choosing cannabis over alcohol, they can enjoy the games without the aggression often fueled by excessive drinking. This shift could lead to a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere at matches, aligning with Germany's innovative approach to crowd management.
As Germany leads the way in cannabis reform, the impact on sports events and public behavior will be closely watched. This bold step not only marks a significant policy change but also sets a new standard for responsible enjoyment and public safety at large gatherings.
Germany's recent cannabis legalization allows adults to possess and cultivate it, aiming to curb violence and reshape fans' reputations, ensuring a safer and more relaxed atmosphere at the tournament.
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