After the decriminalization of cannabis, adjustments are being made to the road traffic regulations. The traffic light parties have agreed on a higher THC limit and a strict alcohol ban for cannabis consumers. The new law must still be discussed in the Bundestag.

The bill proposes raising the THC limit from 1.0 to 3.5 nanograms per milliliter of blood serum and prohibiting alcohol for cannabis users in traffic. There should also be special regulations for novice drivers.

Traffic light agrees on limit value

The traffic light factions believe the new THC limit of 3.5 nanograms per milliliter of blood serum is proportionate as, according to experts, it corresponds to a comparable risk to 0.2 per mille of alcohol in the blood. If the limit value is exceeded, fines of up to 3,000 euros can be imposed. An exception exists for cannabis patients. This limit does not apply to them if the determined value is due to the proper intake of cannabis medicines.

Alcohol ban for cannabis users

The draft law proposes banning the combined use of cannabis and alcohol on the road. With a THC content of 3.5 ng/ml or more and simultaneous alcohol consumption, fines of up to 5,000 euros are threatened. For novice drivers under 21, the existing alcohol ban will be supplemented by a cannabis consumption ban, with a limit of 1.0 ng/ml THC in the blood serum. The law is intended to contribute to road safety.

Saliva tests are also to be introduced as a preliminary screening, with which consumers can test themselves and monitor the limit. These tests should help identify current cannabis consumption in the context of the start of a journey and could even exonerate those affected in case of doubt. The Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) has commissioned the Federal Highway Research Institute to clarify the details, including the required sensitivity of the tests. This ministry also proposed or worked out the increased limit with experts.