Time Flies: Germany’s Groundbreaking Cannabis Reform Law (CanG) Celebrates Its First Anniversary
This week marks the one-year anniversary of Germany’s pioneering cannabis reform legislation, the CanG. Since April 1, 2024, Germany has invested hundreds of millions of euros in the medical cannabis sector, avoided hundreds of thousands of criminal prosecutions, and granted millions of citizens the right to legally use cannabis for the first time. However, the reform remains contentious and highly politicized. As the cannabis-opposed Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the pro-cannabis Social Democratic Party (SPD) continue discussions on forming a coalition government, the future of Germany’s cannabis industry remains uncertain. Regardless of whether the new coalition attempts to repeal the CanG, the law has already had a lasting impact on Germany’s economy and society. One year later, it seems the genie will be hard to put back in the bottle.
The Impact of the Cannabis Law on Germany
The 《Cannabis Control Act (CanG)》, which took effect on April 1, 2024, allows adults to legally possess, consume, and cultivate up to three cannabis plants at home. Further regulations implemented on July 1, 2024, permitted the establishment of non-profit cultivation associations, enabling members to grow and distribute cannabis for adult use. While Germany is not the first European country to legalize recreational cannabis nationwide, its policy shift is undoubtedly one of the continent’s most significant.
One of the law’s most impactful aspects—particularly from an economic perspective—was the removal of cannabis from the list of narcotic drugs, which spurred a boom in Germany’s medical cannabis industry. According to the 《German Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW)》, the law has driven growth in three key areas.
Medical Cannabis
Germany’s medical cannabis program has emerged as the biggest winner under the new CanG. Estimates suggest that in 2024, the industry attracted €300 million in investments, with approximately €240 million directed toward the thriving medical market. The association also predicts that the sector’s revenue could reach €1 billion by 2025.
While this has clearly benefited businesses, the 《Federal Association of Pharmaceutical Cannabinoid Companies (BPC)》 argues that it has also improved patient care.
“The significant investment in the medical cannabis industry highlights its growing importance for sustainable healthcare in Germany. This strong development has greatly contributed to ensuring patients have access to high-quality, guaranteed cannabinoid-based treatments,” said Antonia Menzel, Chair of the BPC.
The latest official import data reflects this rapid market expansion, benefiting not only domestic cannabis clinics but also international suppliers. According to the 《German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM)》, Germany imported over 70 metric tons of dried cannabis flowers for medical and scientific purposes in 2024—more than double the 32 tons imported the previous year.
In the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, Germany imported 31,691 kg of dried cannabis flowers, a 53% increase from the previous quarter’s 20,654 kg. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 (before the CanG took effect), imports surged by a staggering 272%.
Independent data from cannabis companies further supports this trend. Earlier this year, 《Bloomwell Group》, one of Germany’s largest medical cannabis operators, reported a **1,000% increase** in prescriptions received by cannabis pharmacies from March to December 2024 following the legal changes.
Home Cultivation & Cultivation Associations
According to preliminary data from Prohibition Partners’ upcoming European Cannabis Report: 10th Edition, as of March 2025, over 500 applications for cannabis cultivation associations have been submitted across Germany, with only about 190 approved. These associations allow adult members to legally source cannabis through their membership.
The states with the most licenses issued are North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate, which together account for roughly 60% of all permits granted in Germany.
Additionally, the BvCW notes a “boom” in home cultivation, driving sales of seeds, fertilizers, grow lights, and other equipment.
“These products sold out within weeks or months. In a representative survey, 11% of participants expressed interest in growing cannabis at home. The new law has created jobs and boosted the economy.”
Reduction in Crime
A key argument made by the traffic light coalition (SPD, Greens, FDP) in pushing the CanG was that it would reduce crime, curb the black market, and allow law enforcement to focus on more serious offenses.
One of the law’s major successes has been its impact on the criminal justice system. Legalization has enabled German authorities to redirect resources toward combating serious crime. According to Der Spiegel, around 100,000 criminal prosecutions have been avoided since partial legalization.
The publication noted: “In Bavaria—the region most critical of cannabis—cannabis-related offenses dropped by 56% to 15,270 cases in 2024. In North Rhine-Westphalia, such crimes fell by more than half (53%) compared to the previous year.”
Further police and crime statistics obtained by Der Spiegel show that drug-related offenses in Germany decreased by about a third in 2024, while the overall national crime rate dropped by 1.7%.
“There is no evidence that the law has led to a ‘surge in drug crime’ or other disasters, as some in CDU/CSU circles claim,” the report stated.
A prior analysis by the Düsseldorf Heinrich Heine University Institute for Competition Economics estimated that legalizing adult-use cannabis could save Germany’s police and judicial systems up to €1.3 billion annually.
However, the Interior Ministry dismissed this assessment, claiming there is “no evidence that partial legalization has suppressed the illegal market or reduced demand.”
This stance appears based on the fact that drug crimes fell by 33%—primarily “consumer offenses”—now that consumption is legal. Meanwhile, authorities recorded about 1,000 violations of the new law, mostly related to trafficking, smuggling, and possession of illegal quantities.
Some law enforcement officials argue the law needs urgent revisions. Alexander Poetz, Vice Chairman of the German Police Union (GdP), called on the future federal government to amend the legislation quickly.
“As long as the law remains unchanged, the black market will persist, and youth protection and road safety cannot be guaranteed. Organized crime is exploiting legal loopholes. Partial legalization has not significantly reduced police workload. At the same time, substantial investments are needed in advanced detection equipment,” Poetz said.
Public Perception
A recent survey by global seed company Royal Queen Seeds found that 51% of German parents believe home-grown cannabis is safer than street-purchased cannabis (compared to 57% globally).
Among surveyed German adults, 40% support the reform, with 65+ seniors and retirees remaining the most skeptical, while those under 40 are more likely to back it. Nearly 50% believe the new regulations will improve public awareness of cannabis.
Meanwhile, 41% of German cannabis consumers plan to grow their own in 2025, with 77% of home growers valuing personal cultivation and 75% considering self-grown cannabis safer.
A separate YouGov poll of 2,000+ participants revealed that 45% of Germans would discuss medical cannabis with a doctor. While only 7% have done so, another 38% said they would if medically necessary.
In most cases, patients initiate these conversations—not doctors. Only 2% of adults aged 45-54 and 1.2% of those 55+ reported their physicians suggesting cannabis therapy. Younger demographics saw slightly higher rates: 5.8% of 25-34-year-olds and 5.3% of 35-44-year-olds had doctors raise the topic.
Despite growing acceptance, stigma remains a barrier. Nearly 6% of respondents said they avoid discussing cannabis with doctors due to fear of judgment. However, younger generations are more proactive: 49% of under-34s said they would immediately consult their doctor about medical cannabis if needed.
Conclusion
After a year, Germany’s cannabis legalization has proven successful in many ways. While full implementation has faced hurdles—including delays in regional pilot trials for adult-use retail—the German Federal Office for Agriculture and Food has reportedly begun accepting applications, meaning long-awaited pilot projects may soon launch.
Overall, the CanG has boosted the economy, reduced unnecessary prosecutions, and shifted public attitudes. Whether the next government modifies or maintains the law, its impact is already undeniable.
Post time: Apr-09-2025