Conservative ministers from Germany’s CDU and CSU on Wednesday urged a rethink of the partial cannabis legalization enacted in 2024, after a two-year evaluation of the law’s effects was published.
Conservative ministers’ reactions
Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) described the reform as a mistake, arguing that early interventions aimed at discouraging children and young people from using cannabis have fallen sharply and that the distinction between recreational and medical cannabis has become unclear. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) called the law “a complete nonstarter,” saying law enforcement concerns were insufficiently addressed and alleging a booming black market and rising criminality. Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) said authorities can no longer require attendance at addiction-prevention courses as easily, resulting in fewer children taking part.
What the report found
The report, compiled by researchers at Tübingen University, Düsseldorf’s university clinic and the Hamburg-Eppendorf university clinic, reached mixed conclusions. It found only a moderate increase in overall usage since the reform, noting pre-existing trends: declining consumption among young people and a gradual rise in use among older adults. The authors concluded that a consumption increase directly attributable to the reform is not clearly detectable at this time.
The study did confirm a drop in “early interventions” for minors and recorded police reports describing new difficulties in tackling illegal cannabis trafficking under the changed rules.
Sharp rise in medical prescriptions
One striking finding was a large jump in demand for prescription medical cannabis dispensed by pharmacies following doctors’ referrals—up roughly 198% since 2024. Researchers warned that high-THC medical cannabis appears to be prescribed more often than clinically necessary, creating mental health and other medical risks. They also flagged the possibility that illegal actors could be involved in importing cannabis labeled as medical, and suggested Germany might be at risk of becoming a distribution hub.
The report linked part of the surge in medical prescriptions to slow approvals for cannabis cultivation clubs—organizations allowed to grow and supply recreational cannabis to members. To date, only a very small number of such cultivation organizations have been authorized, leaving unmet demand that may be filled by stronger medical prescriptions. The authors argued that strengthening and speeding up approvals for cultivation organizations could help reduce the black market.
Legal framework and next steps
Medical cannabis has been available under certain conditions in Germany since 2017, typically requiring a doctor’s referral. The April 2024 law partially legalized recreational cannabis for adults: people over 18 may possess up to 50 grams at home, up to 25 grams in public, and cultivate up to two plants; minors are prohibited from carrying or growing the plant.
The law does not permit retail sales in coffee-shop style outlets. Adults who do not grow for personal use must join a cannabis cultivation club, pay membership fees, and receive cannabis produced by the club.
Politics and timeline
When the CDU/CSU entered government with the Social Democrats, the coalition deferred final decisions and committed to an impartial evaluation of the new rules. An interim report was filed last August; a final report is expected two years from now, four years after the law came into force. The CDU/CSU ministers’ call for changes sets the stage for political debate ahead of that concluding evaluation.