A long running annual survey has revealed 59% of Germans support cannabis legalization – a majority result for the first time.
Cannabis in Germany has been legal to a degree for recreational use since 1 April 2024. The Cannabis Act (CanG) legalised personal possession and consumption of cannabis; allowing individuals to possess up to 25 grams in public and 50 grams at home, and to home-grow three plants.
But it seems CanG only whetted the appetite of Germans for further liberties – including legal sales.
The German Hemp Association (Deutscher Hanfverband) recently reported on a survey by Infratest dimap on behalf of the Association, which has been run annually since 2014. After several years of support for legalization at just under 50%, this year’s survey saw a big jump.
“This is surprising because since the traffic light government took office, opponents of cannabis legalization, such as the German Medical Association and police unions, have regularly spread negative information about the discussed and implemented Cannabis Act (CanG) with high media reach,” said the Association (translated).
For the question related to cannabis being available to adults in Germany legally and in a regulated manner, 59% of respondents approved, while 38% did not. For another question concerning possession of small amounts of cannabis being prosecuted as a criminal offence in Germany; 59% said it should continue to not be prosecuted and 37% said it should.
A final question on reintroducing a ban on home growing resulted in 56% saying it should not be and 41% said it should.
“The criticism of the current situation in which cannabis can be possessed and consumed but no legal shops are available seems to have reached people,” says the Association.
Beyond recreational use, CanG appears to have had a positive effect on the medical cannabis landscape in Germany. A recent report from Prohibition Partners says CanG has made patient access simpler and removed hurdles for doctors, pharmacies, and distributors. With medical cannabis no longer categorised as a narcotic in the country, patient numbers are rapidly increasing. Prohibition Partners said the relative success or failure of the policies not only effect Germany, but will have a tangible impact on the pace and shape of reform in Europe and globally.
