German Cannabis Law Faces Renewed Criticism as Amnesty Reviews Continue

Nearly a year after legalization, 249 cases have been reviewed in Berlin, but officials cite increased judicial strain and persistent black market issues.

• Since the April 2024 legalization of cannabis in Germany, 178 penalties for cannabis-related offenses in Berlin have been waived under the law's amnesty provision.
• As of March 13, 2025, 249 cases in Berlin have been reviewed, with 71 penalties adjusted and one individual released from prison.
• The amnesty provision, designed to reduce judicial workload, has instead resulted in additional strain on courts, drawing widespread criticism from judicial authorities.
• The Berlin Senate Department for Justice and Consumer Protection reports that the law has failed to curb the black market or alleviate judicial burdens as intended.
• Justice Senator Felor Badenberg, a long-standing critic of the law, continues to advocate for its repeal, while the implementation is under ongoing review in coordination with other states.

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