Decriminalization of cannabis?

Inatsisartut has gathered for a spring meeting, where the agenda includes, among other things, a proposal to decriminalize cannabis.

Item 119 of Inatsisartut's spring meeting deals with decriminalization of cannabis. The proposal is submitted by Atassut's chairman Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen, and the proposal will be first read on Wednesday, May 6.

Today, cannabis is illegal, while the sale of CBD products with up to 0.2 percent THC has been allowed with approval since 2023. At the same time, the price of hashish is high – between 500 and 1,000 kroner per gram according to Kristeligt Dagblad.

How do the citizens of Nuuk relate to the issue?

Sermitsiaq has been on the streets of Nuuk to take the temperature of the citizens' attitudes towards the bill.

It can reduce the black market

William Kriegel takes a nuanced view of the debate on cannabis and points to both the challenges of consumption and the consequences of the current ban.

- I see the issue from two sides. On the one hand, cannabis is a real problem, and consumption should in many cases be considered abuse. It is clear that cannabis can have serious consequences for the individual and for society.

- On the other hand, the ban also creates challenges. The illegal market leads to imports via criminal channels, where cannabis is sold at high prices, and where some people earn significant amounts of money from the illegal trade. At the same time, authorities such as the police, courts and customs spend a lot of resources on enforcing the law, resources that are ultimately paid for by society.

He points to both the possible benefits of decriminalization and the concerns associated with changes in consumption and regulation.

- Decriminalization, for example through a regulated and controlled sales system, can potentially reduce the black market and thus also illegal imports. This can free up resources in the legal system and make it possible to prioritize other social tasks. However, it is crucial that any sales take place within strict limits.

- There is concern that consumption will increase with decriminalization. However, experience from other countries does not clearly point in that direction, and there are no clear signs that cannabis functions as a gateway to harder drugs.

Kriegel concludes with a clear position on the issue and emphasizes that, in his opinion, decriminalization should take place within a controlled framework, without necessarily leading to a major consumption problem.

- Overall I believe that cannabis should be decriminalized, but under controlled conditions. I do not believe that the problem will necessarily grow as a result of such change.

It will increase insecurity

Anita Phipps expresses skepticism about the decriminalization of cannabis and at the same time points out that the widespread consumption in Nuuk plays a role in her assessment of whether a change in the legislation will create increased insecurity.

- I am not comfortable with the decriminalization of cannabis. But it indicates that there are a lot of people in Nuuk who use cannabis. If decriminalization will create insecurity, it should remain illegal.

Anita Phipps' concern is particularly directed at the possible consequences for children and young people, who are considered to be the most vulnerable group.

- It is especially children and young people that I am thinking about. It is not healthy for them and can affect their development and thinking. I do not know how it affects adults to the same extent.

No concern

Aqqaluk Nielsen is positive towards the decriminalization of cannabis and points out, among other things, that some patients may have a medical need that should be included in the assessment.

- I think that decriminalization of cannabis is perfectly fine. There are people who need cannabis because of their illness. I therefore have no concerns about the decriminalization of cannabis.