Germany’s Cannabis Legalization: Youth Use Declines, Adults See Modest Rise

Something interesting has happened in Germany. A year ago, cannabis was legalized. Now, new research shows that young people aren’t smoking more cannabis after this change. Quite the opposite, they’re doing it less often.

Key Data: How Has Cannabis Consumption Changed After Legalization?

In April 2024, Germany joined the ranks of countries that have decriminalized cannabis for adults. A year later, the Federal Institute of Public Health published the results of a study examining the initial effects of this change. Interviewers surveyed over 7,000 young people between April and July 2025. The conclusions are clear.

Declining use among teenagers (12-17 years old)

The greatest fears have always been about the youngest group. It turns out these fears were unfounded in Germany.

The percentage of teenagers who used cannabis in the last year decreased from 6.7% to 6.1% .
Regular consumption (at least 10 times a year) also decreased – from 1.3% to 1.1% .
These data suggest that regulating the adult market and the accompanying public debate may have been more effective in discouraging young people than the current ban.

Slight increase in the group of young adults (18-25 years old) in Germany

The situation in Germany is different for the group for which cannabis has become legal. Here, a slight increase has been noted. Usage over the past year has increased from 23.3% to 25.6%.

Experts comment that this trend, which primarily affects young men, requires further monitoring. However, it’s not a sudden spike, but rather an expected effect of the lifting of prohibition for this age group.

What do politicians and experts say? “Banns don’t work.”

The study’s findings sparked a wave of commentary, with both the reform’s creators and the scientists responsible for the study weighing in.

Former Health Minister: “The Risk Debate Is More Effective”

Karl Lauterbach, who as Minister of Health spearheaded the legalization project, expressed his satisfaction. He stated that the results “confirm the goal of legalization.” He believes that open discussion about the risks is preventing youth consumption from rising, and is even declining.

“The bans do not deter young people,” Lauterbach concluded, adding, however, that these results still need to be confirmed in further studies.

Experiences from overseas

Johannes Nießen, director of the institute that conducted the study, confirmed that “consumption among teenagers has not increased,” but emphasized that the situation among young adults should be monitored “very closely.”

German data compared to the world: USA and Canada confirm the trend

The results from Germany are not an isolated incident. They are part of a broader global trend observed everywhere prohibition is being abandoned. Legalization advocates have long argued that creating a legal market for adults makes it harder for minors to access cannabis by cutting them off from the black market.

In the United States, federal data (SAMHSA) also show that legalization in subsequent states has not resulted in an increase in cannabis use among youth.

In Canada , which has legalized cannabis nationwide, government reports indicate stable rates of regular use among both youth and adults.

What does the future hold for German reform?

The law, which took effect in April 2024, allows German adults to possess and cultivate certain amounts of cannabis and to join cannabis clubs.

Although the new government in Germany has announced an “open evaluation” of these regulations, growing public support (currently 59% in favor) and positive data make a rollback of the reform unlikely. Furthermore, cities like Frankfurt are already planning pilot programs for legal cannabis sales to further study the impact of the regulations.

__

(Featured image by Hemerson Coelho via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in FaktyKonopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.