According to findings by scientists from the universities of Düsseldorf, Hamburg, and Tübingen, no large-scale spike in drug consumption among the general population has been recorded thus far; however, several serious issues in the law’s implementation have been identified.
The study notes that the share of legal consumption is gradually rising, while the black market shows signs of being slowly displaced by legal offerings. Nevertheless, there is currently insufficient data for a final assessment. Specifically, researchers emphasise that it is not yet possible to definitively confirm a weakening of organised crime in this sector.
Germany as Europe’s Central Hub for Medical Cannabis
During the analysis of the law’s effects, researchers recorded the establishment of Europe’s largest commercial market for medical cannabis in Germany. According to research project coordinator Jakob Manthey, 200 tonnes of medical cannabis were legally imported into the country in 2025—a 198% increase compared to 2024 figures. Canada remains the primary supplier of the raw material.
Scientists have expressed concern regarding the lack of transparency in this field. Suspicions exist that Germany is turning into a distribution hub, while it remains unclear whether illegal groups are involved in the production of medical raw materials and exactly how the increased supply volumes are being utilised domestically.
Government Criticism and Demands for Adjustments
Within government circles, representatives of the CDU/CSU bloc have harshly criticised the results of the legalisation. Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) called the reform a mistake, pointing to the “blurred line between consumer and medical cannabis.”
Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) is insisting on strengthening addiction prevention measures for children and young people. According to the study, the number of adolescents seeking help at counselling centres and early intervention programmes has dropped significantly. Addiction researcher Daniel Kotz from Düsseldorf attributes this to the fact that police no longer initiate criminal proceedings when cannabis is found on minors, meaning courts have largely ceased mandating prevention courses for youth.
Dobrindt: The Law is a “Total Failure”
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) stated that the legalisation law is a “total failure,” criticising it by saying: “The black market is thriving, and crime is rising.” From the perspective of Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU), adjustments in the field of addiction prevention for children and adolescents are essential.
The legalisation, passed by the former “Traffic Light” coalition, has permitted the consumption and cultivation of cannabis for adults since 1 April 2024. Cultivation of up to three plants in private residences is allowed. Individuals may store up to 50 grams of cannabis at home and carry 25 grams while in public. Distance requirements—for instance, from playgrounds and schools—must be observed, and consumption in the presence of minors is prohibited. Non-commercial cultivation associations (cannabis clubs) of up to 500 members are also permitted. For those under 18, cannabis remains prohibited.
The CDU and CSU campaigned on a demand to repeal the law. However, the coalition agreement with the SPD stipulated an “open-ended evaluation of results.” This first interim report was published in autumn, with the final report due in April 2028.
Youth Protection Requires Legal Adjustments
The protection of children and youth was intended to be strengthened. However, early intervention and counselling services for adolescents using cannabis are now being utilised significantly less frequently. One reason may be that discovery of cannabis use no longer typically results in a police report—unless the young person commits a criminal offence or endangers others, explains addiction researcher Daniel Kotz. On the judicial side, mandatory referrals to early intervention courses have almost entirely disappeared.
Medical Opinion: Benefits of Control vs. Alcohol
The professional medical community emphasises that, when used correctly and in a controlled manner, cannabis provides benefits to the body rather than harm. Doctors point to the plant’s high effectiveness in treating chronic pain, spasms, and severe neurological conditions where traditional medications often fail.
Furthermore, medics draw a clear parallel with legal psychoactive substances: unlike alcohol, which triggers aggression and irreversible destruction of the liver and brain, or cigarettes, which cause fatal lung and vascular diseases, cannabis possesses significantly lower potential for physical destruction of the body. The primary focus for doctors is product quality—legal, laboratory-tested cannabis excludes the presence of dangerous synthetic additives that cause the main health damage on the black market.
The Role of Cannabis Clubs and Enforcement Issues
Regarding the displacement of the illegal market, so-called cultivation associations (cannabis clubs) currently play a negligible role. Researchers attribute this to the excessively complex licensing procedures for their operation. Experts estimate Germany’s total annual demand for cannabis to be between 670 and 823 tonnes.
Criminal police officers surveyed also noted increased difficulties in their work. Criminologists point out that prosecuting black market dealers has become harder, as law enforcement agencies have lost several tools for combating cannabis-related crime.
Under current rules, adults in Germany are permitted to grow up to three plants at home, store up to 50 grams of the substance, and carry up to 25 grams in public spaces. For minors, cannabis remains strictly prohibited. The final report on the study’s findings is expected in April 2028.
Political Paralysis in the Fight Against Crime
Summarising the current stage of the reform, one can conclude that the main problem at present is not the sale or consumption of cannabis itself, but the inability or unwillingness of the authorities to seriously tackle the shadow market. The law enforcement system is stalling due to an apparent fear among politicians of ultra-left activists. The latter tend to view any legal prosecution of dealers as a “violation of civil liberties” and “police brutality.” Consequently, the government finds itself a hostage to an ideological agenda, preferring to ignore real crime to avoid provoking conflict with the left-wing electorate. As long as the fight against the drug mafia is substituted by political compromises, legalisation will remain a mere half-measure, incapable of finally eradicating illegal business.
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