Germany’s drug policy debate heats up as expert warns of risks
Germany’s federal medication commissioner, Hendrik Streeck, has spoken out against plans for the controlled distribution of hard drugs. He warns that such policies could lead to unforeseen problems and greater suffering for vulnerable groups.
Streeck argues that society is not a testing ground for unproven drug policies. In his view, the risks of losing control are too high, and the long-term effects remain unpredictable. Instead of managing drug use, he believes efforts should focus on stopping people from starting in the first place.
The debate comes as the Schildow Circle, chaired by Dr. Jürgen Schmidt-Lingner, continues discussions on medication policy reform. Streeck’s stance highlights concerns that well-intentioned measures might backfire, creating new forms of hardship rather than solving existing ones.
The medication commissioner’s position underscores the uncertainty around controlled distribution. Without clear evidence of success, he argues, society could face unintended consequences. His comments add to the ongoing debate over how best to address drug-related harm in Germany.
