The first scientific assessment following the partial legalization of cannabis in April 2024 has delivered mixed results. Available data indicate that “the number of consumers and the extent of health problems related to cannabis use have hardly changed in the short term,” explained project coordinator Jakob Manthey of Hamburg University Medical Center on Monday during the presentation of an interim report. However, there has been a significant decline in cannabis-related crimes.
“What we can already say is that the partial legalization of cannabis is the most quantitatively significant decriminalization in the history of the Federal Republic,” said Jörg Kinzig, director of the Institute of Criminology at the University of Tübingen. “In 2024, police recorded more than 100,000 fewer cannabis-related cases than in the previous year,” he emphasized.
Researchers have not yet seen clear results regarding the aim of replacing the cannabis black market with legal sources. The cultivation associations set up for this purpose “have so far made no relevant contribution to displacing the black market as intended by lawmakers,” the interim report states. The researchers therefore called for improvements in this area.
Since partial legalization, possession of cannabis and controlled private cultivation have been allowed under restrictions, including safeguards to protect minors. The interim report notes that robust conclusions on the impact of the reform are not yet possible. Based on the findings, the researchers see no urgent need for immediate action.
“The interim report suggests that since the Cannabis Consumption Act came into force, there has been no dramatic increase in consumption among the adult population or among the vulnerable group of children and adolescents,” the German Center for Addiction Issues said regarding the report. It pointed to a decline in the use of counseling services since the reform, particularly among young people.
This development was described as problematic. In addition, the law has not yet ensured “that people who consume cannabis have sufficient access to products of guaranteed quality.” Instead, a large black market persists, posing further health risks.
SPD legal affairs expert Carmen Wegge highlighted the finding that cannabis use among adults had not risen significantly and had even declined among minors. This confirmed, she said, “that the legalization of cannabis was the right and long overdue step.” The number of cannabis-related offenses had dropped by 60 to 80 percent, and the black market was also “in retreat.” However, adjustments were still needed in relation to cultivation associations.
“The partial legalization is proceeding in a controlled manner – without increases in youth consumption, addiction cases, or traffic risks,” said Green health policy expert Linda Heitmann. The decriminalization achieved not only relieved consumers, but especially the police and judiciary. “It is now important to consistently continue along this path” and to “further develop the adopted regulations wisely,” Heitmann demanded.
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