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Germany’s Early Post-Legalization Data Show Little Shift in Cannabis Use

Researchers say data collected only months after the law took effect are too limited to judge its long-term impact.

Overview

  • Past-year use reached 9.8% in 2024, continuing a gradual rise from 8.8% in 2021 and 4.5% in 2012, according to the national addiction survey.
  • The 2024 survey was conducted from August to December, and study authors report only a minimal, statistically non-significant change immediately after legalization.
  • Consumption remains dominated by smoking joints, with many mixing cannabis with tobacco (about 88.6% joints; roughly 68–70% with tobacco), which experts warn heightens health risks.
  • Supply patterns shifted as about one fifth of users reported self-cultivation and roughly a quarter reported membership in non-commercial Cannabis Social Clubs.
  • Experts note uncertainties in the club-membership figure given the limited number of approved associations and point to ongoing monitoring through the EKOCAN project.