Health Minister Philippi Demands Zero-Alcohol Limit

Lower Saxony's Health Minister Andreas Philippi has advocated for banning driving after consuming alcohol or cannabis.

"The blood alcohol limit for driving should be lowered to 0.0," the SPD politician told the "Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung".

According to him, it would also be consistent to have a limit of the intoxicating substance THC at 0.0 nanograms: "Then you have clear conditions," said Philippi. The politician is also in favor of allowing both alcohol and cannabis only from the age of 18.

New Regulations and Fines Coming Soon

Following the partial legalization, new regulations and fines for driving under the influence of cannabis are expected soon. Up to now, a strict policy has been in place where consequences follow as soon as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is detected.

In jurisprudence, a value of 1.0 nanograms has been established. Recently, the Bundesrat passed a law approved by the Bundestag that sets a limit of 3.5 nanograms of the intoxicating substance per milliliter of blood.

Stricter rules are being introduced for novice drivers and for the combined use of cannabis and alcohol. The new regulations are expected to come into force soon.