In Germany, adult private individuals will in future be allowed to possess 25 grams of cannabis or grow a maximum of three plants. In Austria the drug is a prohibited addictive substance; consumption, cultivation, distribution and trade are criminal offenses. According to a survey, 48 percent of respondents believe Austria will follow suit; 52 percent are against it.
The survey of 1,000 people in Austria between the ages of 14 and 75 shows fault lines in both generations and political views: “The majority of millennials and GenZ are in favor of decriminalizing smoking weed,” said Thomas Schwabl, director of Market Agent.
Awareness campaign about risks is very important
The fronts are also clearly visible when it comes to political positioning: “Centre-left voters are clearly in favor of approving marijuana at around 60 percent. For comparison: in the ÖVP camp there are 60 percent opponents of legalization.” However, in both camps the motto “safety first” applies. Eight in ten respondents would consider an accompanying information campaign about the risks very important.
According to the survey, 40 percent associate cannabis primarily as a medicinal plant, while twelve percent view it as a luxury food. The remaining 48 percent classify the substance as an (illegal) addictive drug.
Nicotine and alcohol ‘significantly more harmful’
When it comes to other drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamine, there is agreement. About nine in ten respondents would reject release. The potential danger of cannabis is estimated to be considerably lower than that of so-called permitted drugs. Nicotine and alcohol are considered significantly more harmful than marijuana by locals. By comparison, cannabis is about on par with sugar,” says Schwabl.
More than 85 percent described cocaine as “very harmful,” followed by nicotine (73 percent) and alcohol (almost 54 percent). Cannabis came in second at 34 percent, followed by sugar (almost 28 percent), as well as fat and glutamate (both around 20 percent).
Source: Krone
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