Gone green… Exactly 365 days ago, Germany’s law on the partial legalization of cannabis came into effect. On April 1st, a day traditionally known for pranks, one of the most controversial reforms in Germany’s recent history became reality. The path to decriminalization wasn’t just a “hell of a ride” but also a balancing act between “yes” and “no” to decriminalization, with the Greens and the SPD emerging as the main advocates. And then, it was here. Luckily! And so, the hemp plant was finally brought out of the shadows, bringing with it a paradigm shift in drug policy.
One year has passed – and the balance? The heated discussions on the road to reform seem to continue to accompany the topic of cannabis in Germany, with the CanG (Cannabis Law) still raising open questions. Has the law really fought back the black market? How are the cultivation associations doing, and why has telemedicine suddenly become a topic when it comes to cannabis? Let’s take a look at the developments, challenges, and the small but significant stumbling blocks that this “green” revolution has encountered – or may yet encounter on its way to a dreamt-of approach to one of the world’s oldest medicinal plants.
WHAT ARE CANNABIS CULTIVATION ASSOCIATIONS – THE LEGAL WAY INTO THE GREEN?
At the heart of legalization are the so-called cannabis cultivation associations. These legal collectives of growers are authorized to cultivate cannabis for personal use and distribute it under strict regulations. Currently, five cultivation associations are approved in Berlin, with 21 more under review. It is logically understandable that these associations must adhere to strict regulations, as the guarantee of quality cannabis remains a top priority. There are not only strict security and health concepts but also specific location guidelines, such as distances from schools and kindergartens. These bureaucratic hurdles are no accident; they aim to prevent cannabis from becoming too easily accessible and to ensure youth protection.
However, it is clear that these measures, which involve significant financial investments and effort, present enormous challenges for the cultivation associations. Financial security is as rare as sunshine in Berlin in winter—almost non-existent. In contrast, the legal framework for telemedicine appears almost uncomplicated. Doctors can easily prescribe cannabis through an online portal, and even engage in advertising to promote their services. While cultivation associations are bound by strict regulations and oversight, doctors can quickly and easily supply their patients with medical cannabis, highlighting the unequal treatment in the cannabis industry. Companies with larger marketing budgets and resources have a competitive advantage, making it difficult for smaller players to keep up.
Despite these challenges, it must be made clear: the cultivation associations represent a promising step in the right direction. They not only provide safe, legal access to cannabis but also create a clear distinction between medical need and recreational use—a foundation upon which the German cannabis landscape can continue to develop. The goal of consuming cannabis “just for the love of it” legally is now closer than ever.
Despite the challenges, the mood among advocates remains positive, as the reform is seen as an important milestone in cannabis legalization. Controlled access to cannabis has been successful in many areas, but the model is far from perfect. The planned expansion of model regions and simplification of legal frameworks will be crucial in shaping the future of this development. This is all part of the second pillar of the CanG.
WHAT ARE CANNABIS MODEL REGIONS IN GERMANY: A LOOK AT THE PLANNED PILOT PROJECTS
The second pillar of cannabis legalization involves the commercial distribution in model regions. Currently, model regions in cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg are being discussed, where cannabis could be sold in licensed stores under strict regulations. These model regions are intended as test fields to prepare for a potential nationwide legalization of cannabis. Alongside market regulation, prevention measures and awareness campaigns will play a role in promoting responsible consumption.
However, the exact implementation and timelines for these pilot projects are still unclear. Although it was recently announced that two of these pilot projects might soon start in Berlin, there’s the new government… And with that, almost everything could change, or at least one party dreams of reverting everything to “the good old days” (an April Fool’s joke worth noting here).
GERMAN FEDERAL ELECTIONS AND LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE: WHAT COMES AFTER A YEAR OF LEGALIZATION?
After the 2025 federal elections, the Union, particularly the CSU, announced plans to reverse the partial legalization of cannabis introduced in April 2024. Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann called the legalization a mistake and is pushing for its repeal. And all this, despite the fact that the previous prohibition policy has clearly failed, making a paradigm shift in cannabis policy long overdue.
Good things, good: The Union’s plans are almost entirely isolated: all other democratic parties either want to maintain the current law or expand it. Some even talk about full legalization. Only the AfD shares a similar position to the CDU and CSU, demanding a rollback. It’s nice to know, though, that the unrestrained consumption of alcohol at Oktoberfest continues to be celebrated… guess it’s like the sweet old tradition, must be good. Hmm…
The SPD and the Greens, however, continue to stand by the positive impacts of legalization. They argue that the controlled market could push back the illegal trade and improve health and prevention measures. Furthermore, experiences from other countries, like the USA, show that legalization can bring long-term economic benefits.
The likelihood of a complete repeal of the law depends on the future political orientation and the negotiations between the coalition parties. However, a full reversal seems unlikely, not only because it would be unacceptable to those affected but also because it goes against the majority opinion of the German electorate. A more realistic approach would be a comprehensive evaluation and possible adjustment of the law to address existing concerns and further optimize it… and that’s pretty much okay. The “optimal” legalization is certainly not what the current law offers, but it is, after all, a start—far from an April Fool’s joke.
CONCLUSION – WALKING WALKS OVER TALKING TALKS
Actions speak louder than words, and before they can speak, experience and time are needed—along with a reality that reflects what the long-overdue decriminalization of cannabis has brought and will bring. And that’s why it’s still too early to draw a final conclusion. One year after the introduction of the law, there are no reliable statistics on the long-term effects on consumption and the black market. While the police, particularly in Berlin, criticize that the illegal trade continues to thrive, Health Senator Ina Czyborra points out that it is not yet time to judge the law’s effectiveness. She emphasizes that it will take one to two more years for a clear assessment. But one thing remains certain: legalization is the right step toward a world where cannabis receives the de-stigmatization it deserves.
THE KEY KEEPS BEING GROWING GREEN AND THE PARTY IS LONG NOT OVER…
*59% of Germans supported full legalization in December 2024.
