Karl Lauterbach defends his law on cannabis legalization at “Markus Lanz”. He rejects criticism of a government information campaign – and is surprised.
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) was apparently not involved in a controversial social media campaign by the federal government to legalize cannabis. The doctor initially vehemently defended his educational offensive on “Markus Lanz” on Thursday evening – because it is an important factor in justifying the legalization of the drug. But then it became clear: the federal government had a completely different information strategy on Instagram under the youth slogan “Bubatz becomes legal”.
The guests
Karl Lauterbach (SPD), Federal Minister of HealthTanja Brunnert, Professional Association of Pediatricians and AdolescentsFelix Nensa, radiologist from the Essen University HospitalMelanie Amann, “Spiegel”
The deputy “Spiegel” editor-in-chief Melanie Amann was the first to accuse “Markus Lanz” on Thursday that the federal government was actually advertising the drug with the motif “Bubatz becomes legal” that was spread on Instagram. “This is exclusively an educational campaign about the dangers of cannabis,” contradicted Lauterbach. “Then it’s done badly,” complained pediatrician Tanja Brunnert. When the director showed the motif in question, Lauterbach only seemed to realize what the critics meant.
Minister surprised by Instagram post
“‘Bubatz becomes legal’ and below it ‘Federal Government’,” Lanz described the Instagram post, which features a large cannabis leaf. “To be honest, this is not the campaign we did,” stated Lauterbach. “It says ‘Federal Government’ underneath,” emphasized Lanz. “It has to be checked whether that is true,” replied Lauterbach. “First of all, I can’t judge whether it’s from us.”
During the broadcast of the show, there was speculation on social networks that the “Lanz” editorial team might have been the victim of a satirical fake account. But the “Bubatz” motif was actually published on the federal government’s official Instagram channel on August 16, 2023. The Instagram account was only launched at the beginning of 2023, is aimed particularly at younger people and is operated by the Federal Government’s Press and Information Office (BPA).
The Federal Press Office also posted an explanatory video about cannabis legalization on Instagram, but it was only towards the end that the health risks, especially for brain development in young people, were pointed out. In Lauterbach’s ministry’s educational campaign, however, this warning is also clearly at the center of the issue. “It’s legal, but harmful,” said Lauterbach, summing up the message.
Brunnert asked why a dangerous drug would be legalized at the age of 18 when the brain is not yet fully developed. The spokeswoman for the professional association of pediatricians also criticized that the amount of 30 grams of cannabis per month for people between 18 and 21 years of age was far too high. That’s enough for three joints a day: “As a mother and doctor, I say: Please don’t.”
Radiologist: “Hypocritical debate”
Lauterbach defended his plan to cover real “needs” with a generous legal limit in order to deprive the black market of its business basis. The previous strategy of criminalizing and prosecuting consumers has failed. In view of ever stronger cannabis cultivation, dangerous mixtures and an increasing number of stoners, it was time to face reality. Criticism came immediately. “You get the impression that you took your head out of the sand and then stuck it back in a meter away. It doesn’t work with the model,” said “Spiegel” journalist Amman.
Loading…
Embed
“I get know-it-all suggestions every day, but no suggestions about what we should do instead,” defended Lauterbach, referring to the review of legalization after two years. The Minister of Health received support from “Markus Lanz” from radiologist Felix Nensa. The professor from Essen University Hospital spoke of a “hypocritical debate” when criticizing cannabis legalization in view of the comparable massive damage caused by alcohol and nicotine.
