Germany's Cannabis Legalization Faces Calls for Reform as Challenges Persist
One year after partial legalization, critics cite enforcement issues and black market resilience, while political uncertainty clouds the law's future.
- Germany's partial cannabis legalization, enacted in April 2024, has reduced cannabis-related criminal offenses but failed to significantly curb the black market.
- Critics, including police and judicial representatives, highlight legal ambiguities, enforcement challenges, and increased administrative burdens, with 279,000 old cases requiring reevaluation.
- Youth safety and traffic concerns remain prominent, with a reported 25% increase in cannabis-related traffic accidents since legalization.
- Public opinion is divided, with 38% supporting the current framework, 38% favoring a return to prohibition, and 11% advocating for further liberalization, according to a recent survey.
- The future of the law remains uncertain, as coalition negotiations continue, with the CDU/CSU pushing for repeal and the SPD expressing mixed support.
Stern 
