First Evaluation of Cannabis Legalization Shows Limited Impact, Sparks Political Dispute

The initial evaluation of cannabis legalization in Germany has revealed limited effects on both the black market and consumption. While overall use has hardly changed, consumption among young people continues to decline slightly. Researchers involved in the evaluation see no urgent need for major changes to cannabis law, in contrast to calls from the CDU/CSU for reform.

The partial legalization of cannabis, introduced on April 1st, 2024, was assessed by experts from the University Hospitals Hamburg-Eppendorf and Düsseldorf, along with the Institute of Criminology at the University of Tübingen, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health.

Their findings suggest that cannabis cultivation associations currently play a very small role in replacing the black market

According to the report, their production covers less than 0.1 percent of total demand. Medical cannabis accounts for 12 to 14 percent, while much of the rest comes from illegal distribution within private networks of friends and acquaintances, rather than street dealers.

Overall, cannabis consumption in 2024 was stable, with an estimated 5.3 million people continuing to use it regularly or occasionally. The researchers found no increase compared to the previous year. They noted that most users still obtain cannabis socially, rather than through dealers, which aligns with longstanding patterns of informal distribution.

Importantly, the decline in cannabis consumption among 12- to 17-year-olds continues. Düsseldorf addiction researcher Daniel Kotz confirmed this trend but cautioned that it is still too early to make definitive statements about the effects of legalization on young people. Only a small portion of adolescents show risky use patterns.

One of the most notable impacts of legalization has been on criminal statistics. Cannabis-related offenses dropped dramatically, from 215,000 cases to just over 100,000. Criminologist Jörg Kinzig described this as the most significant decriminalization in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. The reduction is directly tied to the decriminalization of adult use.

The evaluation team does not recommend major legal revisions. However, they suggest simplifying rules for cultivation associations and reviewing the permitted possession limits, which they consider possibly too high.

Despite these findings, the CDU/CSU continues to demand changes

Thuringia’s Minister-President Mario Voigt declared that the cannabis law “doesn’t work” and is the wrong approach for Germany. CSU Bundestag leader Alexander Hoffmann claimed cannabis addiction among young people remains a growing issue, despite the report not supporting this. Federal Drug Commissioner Hendrik Streeck also raised concerns, arguing that youth protection is weakening and that medical cannabis imports and black-market activity are rising.

The Union has proposed tightening medical cannabis regulations, though details remain unclear. Meanwhile, the SPD has so far avoided commenting on the evaluation results.

According to the coalition agreement, further evaluations will follow. A second interim report, focusing on organized crime, is scheduled for April 2026. A final, comprehensive assessment of the cannabis law is expected by April 2028.

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(Featured image by Jeff W via Unsplash)

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