As Germany negotiates difficult political opposition and bureaucratic challenges, its recent legalization of cannabis for limited use has generated both joy and frustration. The action is far from straightforward, even if it represents a major policy change under Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s administration. With the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), lead an effort to undo the cannabis law. Thus, proponents of legalizing cannabis are becoming increasingly concerned that the policy may be reversed following elections.
In 2024, Germany’s legalization model was put into effect, introducing a two-pillar structure to control cannabis consumption. The first pillar permits people to legally cultivate and share cannabis by joining cultivation groups, sometimes known as cannabis clubs, and possessing limited amounts of the plant for personal use. These partnerships were thought to help reduce influence on the black market by offering a secure and regulated setting for the delivery of cannabis. On July 1, 2024, anybody could apply to start these clubs, which would be a first for German cannabis users.
Implementation Delays and Bureaucratic Challenges
Despite the initial enthusiasm, bureaucracy has slowed the legalization implementation. A key component of Germany’s legalization agenda, cultivation associations, has taken a while to take form. There are currently no cannabis clubs in areas like Bavaria and Saarland, and the approval procedure is slow. 29 applications for cultivation groups are present in Bavaria, under the direction of the CSU. Nevertheless, applicants must wait a long time for authorization because the state government takes its time. Cannabis supporters’ happiness is no longer visible because of the implementation’s delay.
Opposition in Politics – CDU & CSU
A research released in December found that 59% of Germans are in favor of allowing cannabis to a limited extent, and the same proportion are in favor of commercial distribution methods. This support from the general public is reflective of a larger change in perceptions about cannabis. Many people believe that legalizing will help control use, enhance public safety, and block the illegal market.
However, cannabis legalization has also turned into a matter of dispute in German politics. Reversing the law will be a top goal for the CDU/CSU bloc. This coalition is now leading the polls ahead of the February 2025 elections. Although the health ministry has claimed that 2024 crime numbers are not yet available, the parties claim that legalization has increased drug-related crime.
According to CDU MP and health policy spokesperson Tino Sorge, the legalization was a “huge mistake” (source: Euronews). Concerning the possible long-term health implications on children and youth, he stated that the CDU/CSU will try to prevent what they see to be negative consequences of the cannabis policy.
The future of cannabis legalization in Germany connects to this uncertainty in politics. Cannabis supporters fear that years of progress can become useless if the CDU/CSU wins the next elections and the laws change back nationwide.
Keeping Political Will and Public Opinion in Check
Public opinion is still strongly in favor of maintaining the current law, despite calls from opposition parties for a reversal. For many Germans, legalization is a practical solution to problems including public health and drug criminality. Policymakers face the difficulty of striking a balance between the concerns expressed by conservative parties and this widespread support.
The conversation additionally highlights how crucial it is to execute out the law correctly. The absence of commercial distribution channels and delays in forming cultivation groups have created a need that the illegal market continues to fill, therefore undermining the objectives of legalization. Critics argue that the program’s viability depends on a more efficient clearance process and a defined expansion schedule.
CDU & CSU – Cannabis’s Future in Germany
Germany is approaching a turning point in its cannabis legalization experiment. Although the public widely supports the concept, political opposition and bureaucracy have made it difficult to implement. Given the CDU/CSU’s efforts to overturn the law, the future of cannabis in Germany is probably going to depend on the results of the elections in February 2025.
The way forward is still unclear for the time being. It remains to be seen if Germany will continue to support this progressive move or back off in response to political pressure.