No place for cannabis at work and at school

Dr Stefan Hussy, Director General of the umbrella organisation of the German social accident insurance institutions, German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), commented on today's discussion of the Cannabis Act in the Bundesrat:

"The Cannabis Act will come into force. For the world of work and educational institutions, the German social accident insurance institutions are sticking to their position: cannabis - just like alcohol and other drugs - must have no place here.

For us as the social accident insurance, safety and health in educational institutions are of particular importance. For this reason, we consider two points to be fundamental for the protection of children and young people: The distribution of cannabis to minors is and remains a criminal offence. Public consumption in the immediate vicinity of schools, children's and youth centres, playgrounds and public sports facilities is not tolerated and remains prohibited.

The law does not prohibit the consumption of cannabis in the workplace. However, occupational health and safety regulations oblige employees not to use intoxicants to get into a state in which they could endanger themselves and others. In order to create clarity, the German social accident insurance institutions therefore recommend that employers prohibit the use of cannabis in the workplace via work instructions or company agreements. In matters of workplace addiction prevention, the German social accident insurance supports companies and organisations with its services."

See also: Positioning of the German Social Accident Insurance " ZERO alcohol and ZERO cannabis at work and in education (PDF, 206 kB, non-accessible) " (PDF, 206 kB, not barrier-free, in German only)

A selection of media from the German social accident insurance is available at dguv.de (in German only).