Changes in Cannabis Consumption Patterns

The legal landscape surrounding cannabis consumption has shifted significantly over the past year, with regulated use becoming permissible under specific conditions. Ongoing discussions continue around cannabis as a recreational substance.

According to the Bavarian Academy for Addiction and Health Issues, which organized an online addiction forum on April 2, 2025, reliable statistics regarding current cannabis consumption and changes stemming from the Cannabis Consumption Act (KCanG) are still pending. However, the 2024 Police Criminal Statistics reveal a notable 34.2% decrease in drug-related crimes, a trend largely attributed to cannabis legalization. In contrast, incidents involving other substances, such as cocaine, have reportedly increased.

Data indicates a marked rise in cannabis consumption since 2012, particularly among older adults. Research from the Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS) at Hamburg-Eppendorf University Hospital highlights that by 2021, 65% of cannabis users were aged 25 and older, with 25% falling within the 40 to 59 age range. This increase in consumption has been accompanied by a rise in related offenses and consumption issues across various age demographics, though no direct correlation between the prevalence of use and recorded crimes has been established.

Interestingly, the partial legalization of cannabis has not led to significant changes in consumption patterns, as evidenced by findings from the DEBRA study (German Survey on Smoking Behavior). Following the implementation of the new regulations on April 1, 2024, no immediate shifts in consumption behavior were observed. Additionally, a study involving over 20,000 participants from Germany and Austria indicated no significant differences in usage rates between the two countries. However, there was a striking 160% increase in the importation of medical cannabis.

As the landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these changes on public health, safety, and social norms remain a focal point of research and discussion.