When Germany’s cannabis legalization was introduced in April 2024, critics voiced concerns about higher youth consumption, more traffic accidents, and potential public health risks. However, nearly a year later, a detailed government report shows these fears were largely unfounded, providing important lessons for other countries exploring similar reforms.
The interim evaluation, conducted by researchers monitoring the Cannabis Control Act (KCanG), examined data across multiple sectors including youth welfare, healthcare, law enforcement, and traffic safety. Their findings paint a picture of cautious success, with many anticipated negative consequences failing to materialize.
This report represents one of the most thorough early assessments of cannabis legalization effects available worldwide, providing real-world data that challenges common assumptions about marijuana policy reform. The implications extend far beyond Germany’s borders, offering evidence-based insights for policymakers worldwide.
Youth Cannabis Use Continues Declining Trend, After Germany’s Cannabis Legalization
Perhaps the most significant finding concerns youth consumption patterns. Contrary to opponents’ predictions of surging teenage marijuana use, researchers found that cannabis consumption among German adolescents has actually continued its downward trajectory that began in 2019.
The average age of first cannabis use among adolescents remained stable at approximately 15 years, indicating that easier adult access hasn’t led to earlier experimentation among minors. Additionally, reports of suspected child endangerment cases related to cannabis to youth welfare offices have actually decreased since legalization.
Cannabis poisoning among children, a concern raised about accidental ingestion of cannabis products, remains extremely rare. The report notes these incidents were uncommon before legalization and have not increased afterward.
Traffic Safety Shows Minimal Impact
Traffic safety data provides another reassuring picture. Self-reported driving under the influence of cannabis has not increased following legalization, and overall road traffic fatalities and injuries show no significant changes attributable to the new law.
While the number of accidents involving cannabis and other intoxicating substances has increased, researchers note this trend began before legalization and appears unrelated to the policy change. The report suggests this increase likely reflects broader consumption patterns rather than legalization effects.
Interestingly, after Germany raised the legal THC threshold for driving to 3.5 nanograms per milliliter in August 2024, fewer people violated the new limit. This adjustment appears to have created a more practical balance between road safety and reasonable enforcement.
Healthcare System Remains Stable
Public health monitoring reveals no dramatic changes in cannabis-related healthcare utilization. While there are slight indications of increased acute health problems among adults after April 2024, chronic consumption problems show no significant changes.
Adult cannabis consumption patterns have remained relatively stable, with slight increases continuing a trend observed since 2011. Wastewater monitoring in eleven German cities confirms no abrupt spike in cannabis use following legalization.
Addiction counseling services report no significant changes in adult utilization, though there are indications that fewer adolescents have sought addiction counseling since partial legalization. This decrease aligns with the overall reduction in youth cannabis consumption.
Crime Statistics Show Dramatic Reduction
The most striking changes appear in criminal justice statistics. Cannabis-related offenses recorded in police crime statistics dropped from 215,865 cases in 2023 to just 101,345 in 2024, representing a 53% decrease. This reduction of over 114,000 cases marks what researchers call “the most significant decriminalization in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany.”
The structure of cannabis-related crime has shifted dramatically. Previously, consumption-related offenses dominated, accounting for four out of five cannabis cases. Following legalization, more serious trafficking offenses now represent 50-90% of remaining cannabis-related crimes, allowing law enforcement to focus resources on significant criminal activity.
Administrative violations under the new law have played only a minor role so far, with 1,421 proceedings conducted for suspected violations of consumption bans and fines imposed in 1,050 cases.
Illicit Market Impact Remains Limited
While researchers found evidence that consumers are using the illicit market less frequently, legal cultivation associations have not yet made significant contributions to displacing illegal cannabis trade as intended by legislators. This represents one area where the law’s objectives have not been fully realized.
The report suggests that without normative corrections, cultivation associations are unlikely to substantially impact the Illicit market in the near future. This finding highlights the complexity of transitioning from illegal to legal cannabis markets.
Law Enforcement Perspectives Vary
Police responses to the new law show mixed results. While the dramatic reduction in cannabis cases represents significant potential for resource reallocation, many officers report feeling the new law creates more burden than relief due to its complexity.
Approximately 75% of surveyed police forces believe the legalized possession quantities are too large, and many view these limits as impediments to investigating cannabis trafficking structures. However, a smaller proportion also acknowledges that the changes have made certain aspects of their work easier.
International Implications and Future Outlook
Germany’s experience provides valuable data points for other nations considering cannabis policy reform. The evidence suggests that carefully structured legalization can achieve policy goals without triggering the negative consequences opponents frequently predict.
The report’s authors emphasize that while these interim findings are encouraging, definitive conclusions about long-term effects require additional monitoring. They note that cultivation associations need more time to establish operations and that consumer behavior may continue evolving as the legal market matures.
According to a press release about the report, SPD rapporteur Carmen Wegge MP shared her initial reaction, expressing satisfaction with the results:
“The first interim report published today confirms that the legalization of cannabis was the right and long overdue step. The independent evaluation shows no significant increase in cannabis consumption among adults and even a decrease among minors, no noticeable negative effects on the health of adults, and significantly fewer criminal proceedings.”
Evidence-Based Policy Making Moves Forward
This German evaluation demonstrates the importance of comprehensive monitoring following Germany cannabis legalization. By systematically tracking multiple indicators across various sectors, policymakers can make informed decisions based on evidence rather than speculation.
The report’s authors conclude that current findings do not indicate urgent need for major corrections to the Cannabis Control Act, though they continue monitoring for potential adjustments. This measured approach reflects responsible policy implementation that prioritizes public health and safety while allowing reforms time to take effect.
As Germany continues monitoring its cannabis legalization experiment, the international community gains valuable insights into the real-world effects of marijuana policy reform. The evidence so far suggests that thoughtfully designed legalization can achieve its intended goals while avoiding many feared consequences, providing a roadmap for other nations considering similar changes.
