Government ministers from Germany’s conservative CDU and CSU parties have called for revisions to the 2024 partial legalization of cannabis, initiated by the previous left-leaning coalition government. This request follows the release of a two-year report assessing the impacts of the legislation.
Conservative Ministers’ Reactions
Health Minister Nina Warken of the CDU labeled the legalization effort a mistake. She pointed out a significant decline in early interventions aimed at discouraging cannabis use among children and adolescents, describing the distinction between recreational and medicinal cannabis as increasingly ambiguous.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt from the Bavarian CSU termed the legalization law “a complete nonstarter,” arguing that law enforcement concerns were not sufficiently addressed and claiming that criminal activity related to cannabis is on the rise.
Family Minister Karin Prien of the CDU highlighted a decline in the number of children participating in addiction prevention programs, suggesting that the new law made it more challenging for authorities to mandate attendance.
Key Findings from the Report
The report offered a mixed overview of cannabis usage following legalization. It noted only a moderate uptick in usage statistics, which appears to stem from ongoing trends rather than direct consequences of the reform. Specifically, there has been a gradual decrease in consumption among youth but a slow increase among older adults. The study, conducted by researchers at Tübingen University and other institutions, indicated that “an increase in consumption that can be tied to the reform is not recognizable at this point in time.”
Although the study confirmed Warken’s concerns regarding reduced early intervention efforts, it also addressed challenges faced by law enforcement in counteracting illegal cannabis trafficking.
Prescriptions of Medical Cannabis on the Rise
Interestingly, the study identified a significant surge in prescriptions for medicinal marijuana, with demand increasing by approximately 198% since 2024. Researchers criticized the over-prescription of high-THC medical marijuana, emphasizing potential mental health risks.
The report suggested that Europe might be becoming a hub for the illegal importation of cannabis, complicating efforts to monitor the medical market. It also pointed to sluggish progress in approving cannabis cultivation clubs that could provide recreational cannabis as a reason for the prevalent prescribing of stronger strains.
Legal Framework for Cannabis in Germany
Medical cannabis has been legal in Germany under specific conditions since 2017, allowing access under a healthcare professional’s guidance. In April 2024, a broader legalization statute was introduced for adults, permitting possession of cannabis and cultivation of plants under regulated conditions. However, public sales remain prohibited.
Political Challenges Ahead
As the CDU and CSU navigate coalition politics, determining the future of cannabis legislation has become a complex issue. An impartial evaluation of the law’s effectiveness was promised in their coalition agreement, with reports due in August and a concluding report set for two years from now.