German Greens co-chair Cem Özdemir joins Ice Bucket Challenge – with cannabis plant

BERLIN

In the video, which Özdemir filmed on his roof terrace in his Berlin home, the politician was seen pouring water on his head right next to a cannabis plant.

German Green Party co-chair and one of the most prominent European politicians of Turkish descent Cem Özdemir was the latest figure to join the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge campaign that has been viral for more than two weeks.

In the video, which he filmed on his roof terrace in his Berlin home, the politician was seen pouring water on his head right next to a cannabis plant.

Following reactions on social media, Özdemir not only confirmed that the plant seen in the video was cannabis, but also said he filmed it deliberately to express his pro-legalization views on marijuana.

“Belonging to the Greens [Party], we side with freedoms. Consuming cannabis by envisaging the risks is a personal choice and freedom of individuals living in a free society,” Özdemir said.

So far, the cultivation and possession of cannabis is illegal in Germany. But officials have said no legal action would likely be taken against Özdemir due to his parliamentary immunity.