Germany's cannabis legalisation faces backlash over rising THC and youth risks

Germany's cannabis legalisation faces backlash over rising THC and youth risks

Christina Sanchez
Christina Sanchez
2 Min.
Group of people gathered around a car with a "Legalise Cannabis Ireland" sign, holding papers inside the vehicle, with buildings and a clear sky in the background.

Germany's cannabis legalisation faces backlash over rising THC and youth risks

Germany's partial legalisation of cannabis has sparked fierce criticism from conservative ministers. They claim the law has led to rising THC levels and weakened addiction prevention for young people. The government now plans to review the controversial legislation. The Cannabis Consumption Act came into force on 1 April 2024, allowing limited recreational use. Since then, THC concentrations have surged, according to critics. A spokesperson for the Federal Health Ministry admitted that the boundary between medical and recreational cannabis has become unclear.

Imports of medical cannabis have increased more than sixfold since 2023. Yet early intervention programmes for youth cannabis use have sharply declined. The ministry's spokesperson noted that upcoming discussions will rely on findings from the Ekocan research project.

Conservative politicians have strongly opposed the law. Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) accused the previous traffic-light coalition of failing children and teens in addiction prevention. Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) called the partial legalisation a 'mistake'. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) dismissed it as a 'total fiasco'. The Federal Health Ministry will now hold internal talks on the future of Germany's cannabis policy. The discussions will focus on research data and the law's impact so far. No direct comparisons with other European countries' THC levels are currently available.

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