The partial legalization of cannabis on April 1st has drastically altered the lives of many in Germany.
As a result of the new legislation, at least 125 individuals previously incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses have been released. These releases are facilitated by a widespread amnesty under the new law, which retroactively decriminalizes certain cannabis offenses.
Research from the ARD capital studio, which surveyed all federal states, suggests that these initial releases are just the beginning, according to Der Spiegel.
Challenges with Mixed Cases
The process, however, is more complex and time-consuming for cases involving multiple offenses, known as mixed cases.
In these situations, judges are required to recalculate the portion of the sentence specifically related to cannabis offenses. This recalibration not only reduces the judiciary's workload but also provides a new perspective for those affected.
For instance, in North Rhine-Westphalia, around 86,000 cases were reviewed to determine their applicability under the new legislation.
In Baden-Württemberg, the public prosecutor's office reports that reviewing an individual case can take between 15 and 60 minutes.
