Over one year has passed since Germany legalized cannabis, and the societal landscape surrounding the plant undergoes a noticeable transformation. A recent survey commissioned by Royal Queen Seeds reveals a compelling shift in attitudes toward the reform, especially among parents and younger demographics, despite mixed opinions. Safety concerns, distrust of the black market, and a desire for personal control over consumption drive increasing acceptance of legalization.
The safety of growing your own cannabis
The study reveals that a majority of German parents — 51% — now consider homegrown cannabis a safer alternative to street products. Internationally, 57% of parents express the same perspective, highlighting a stronger sentiment. Many find the appeal in overseeing the entire cultivation process, which ensures the final product remains free from contaminants and maintains consistent potency.
This shift in perception shows that parents increasingly worry about the unpredictability of black-market cannabis. Without regulation, harmful substances can adulterate street products, and THC levels can vary wildly, posing risks—especially to younger or inexperienced users. Legalization, especially the ability to grow cannabis at home, offers a sense of security that people did not have before.
Generational divides in supporting legalization
The survey reveals a clear generational split in attitudes toward cannabis reform. Germans under 40 show the strongest support, with four out of ten adults in this age group endorsing the policy change. Younger generations, having grown up with more progressive views on drug use and greater exposure to cannabis culture, view legalization as a positive step far more often.
In contrast, older citizens, particularly those aged 65 and above, continue to express skepticism. Decades of stigma and prohibitionist messaging have caused many retirees to feel wary of the reform. As legalization progresses and its practical benefits — like reduced black-market activity and improved product safety—become more evident, even some older Germans may start to rethink their stance.
Dismantling the black market
Legalization could significantly weaken the illicit cannabis trade, which stands as one of the central arguments in its favor. Nearly half of respondents believe the new regulations will help curb illegal sales, indicating that this is already happening, according to the survey. This development holds critical importance, as the black market consistently associates with unsafe products, criminal activity, and a lack of consumer protections.
The reform provides legal avenues for obtaining cannabis—through licensed dispensaries or personal cultivation—redirecting demand away from unregulated dealers. This disrupts criminal networks and ensures that consumers access products that meet safety standards. As the legal market matures, the black market will likely lose influence further.
Home cultivation rises
The growing popularity of home cultivation stands out as a striking trend. More than 40% of German cannabis consumers plan to grow their own plants in 2025, driven by cost savings, self-sufficiency, and quality control. For many, cultivating cannabis serves not only practical purposes but also brings personal fulfillment. Seventy-seven percent of home growers find the experience rewarding, and 75% feel safer consuming cannabis they produce themselves.
This shift reflects broader cultural changes in perceptions of cannabis. People increasingly treat it like other homegrown products—similar to brewing beer or tending a garden—rather than as a taboo substance. As more people engage in cultivation, the normalization of cannabis in everyday life will likely accelerate.
Better education is essential
Legalization creates a pressing need for reliable information. Nearly half of respondents believe the new laws will enhance public understanding of cannabis, but a significant knowledge gap remains to address. Many parents actively seek clear guidance on safe consumption practices, legal limits, and the distinctions between medical and recreational use.
Effective education campaigns will play a crucial role in ensuring that legalization results in responsible use instead of misuse. Accurate, accessible information empowers policymakers and advocacy groups to demystify cannabis and reduce the risks linked to uninformed consumption.
Transforming relationship with cannabis in Germany
One year into legalization, Germany is clearly evolving its relationship with cannabis. While debates over the reform persist, the benefits are becoming more and more evident. Parents seek comfort in managing the quality of cannabis their families experience. Meanwhile, younger generations welcome the shift, and the black market confronts unparalleled competition from legal options.
As home cultivation rises, the growing demand for education suggests that cannabis is gradually integrating into mainstream culture, while also prioritizing safety and responsibility. Should these trends persist, Germany’s experiment with legalization is poised to become a model for other nations contemplating similar reforms.
The conversation around cannabis continues to evolve; notably, the landscape has changed, and there’s no going back. The question now shifts to how society will adapt to this new reality in the years ahead, rather than whether legalization will succeed.