Especially in the Innviertel region

Cannabis released: More drug drivers feared

In Germany, the legalization of cannabis was decided shortly after 3 pm on Friday. The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) warns that this could lead to an increase in drug-related traffic offenses in Upper Austria, among other problems. 

Waved through - Friday afternoon, cannabis liberalization passed the German Bundestag, which could also have an impact in Upper Austria. "We fear a wave of drugged drivers in border traffic," says VP regional managing director Florian Hiegelsberger, who, together with Martin Huber, Secretary General of the CSU in Bavaria, opposed the relaxation of the regulations.

114 accidents involving drugged drivers had already been counted in Austria in 2022, 22 of which were in Upper Austria, putting it in second place behind Lower Austria (26 accidents). 189 people, 34 of them in Upper Austria, were injured. It is only possible to estimate how many drugged drivers are on the road; 1800 were taken out of circulation above the Enns in 2022. In 2023, there were 1524 drug drivers.

Partial equality with Germans
The new German regulations also affect Upper Austrians outside of road traffic. From April 1, for example, over-18s on the other side of the Inn will be allowed to legally carry 25 grams of cannabis. If (Upper) Austrians have a residence or "habitual abode" in Bavaria, they will be treated like German citizens and may also carry this amount of "weed" or legally grow and harvest three cannabis plants in their Bavarian home. Hiegelsberger warns that Austria should not follow the German example.