Brandenburg Proposes Ban on Alcohol-Cannabis Combination for Drivers

The Brandenburg state government has announced plans to introduce a prohibition on the consumption of both alcohol and cannabis before driving, as part of its initiative for the partial legalization of cannabis. This proposal is set to be presented to the Bundesrat on September 26.

The initiative aims to establish a nationwide ban on the simultaneous use of these substances while operating a vehicle. Currently, it is permissible to consume small amounts of cannabis and alcohol below the legal limits and still drive. However, the Brandenburg authorities argue that this practice poses significant risks to road safety, especially given the rising number of accidents linked to cannabis use.

According to the state's transportation minister, the mix of alcohol and cannabis increases the likelihood of dangerous driving behavior. The official emphasized that consuming a joint alongside alcohol before getting behind the wheel is irresponsible and endangers not only the driver but also other road users. The minister has called for a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding this combined consumption, similar to the regulations already in place for novice drivers.

In 2024, Brandenburg recorded 120 traffic accidents attributed to cannabis use, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. The number of individuals injured in these incidents has also risen, highlighting the pressing need for stricter regulations.

Currently, legal thresholds exist for drivers regarding the psychoactive component of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If an individual is found to have 3.5 nanograms of THC or more per milliliter of blood while driving, they face a fine of 500 euros and a one-month driving ban. Additionally, those who also consume alcohol could incur higher penalties. A strict zero-tolerance policy for cannabis applies to new drivers, similar to the rules for alcohol consumption.

The proposed Bundesrats initiative will also request the federal government to review the current THC limits and evaluate the effects of mixed consumption of cannabis and alcohol. This comes in the wake of the partial legalization of cannabis that took effect on April 1, 2024. The federal government plans to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the situation this autumn.