Cannabis Law Leads to Nearly 180 Cases of Sentence Cancellation in Berlin

In the wake of the recent cannabis legislation, Berlin has seen a significant impact on previously adjudicated drug offenses. As of March 13, 2025, the Berlin public prosecutor's office confirmed that 178 sentences related to marijuana and hashish violations have been annulled following a comprehensive review of past cases.

The legal framework includes an amnesty provision specifically targeting older cases, particularly those that remain under investigation or involve sentences that have not yet been served. This initiative aims to ensure that individuals affected by outdated laws receive appropriate consideration under the new regulations.

According to the prosecutor's office, a total of 249 cases had been reviewed up to the specified date. Out of these, 71 sentences were re-evaluated, and in a notable instance, one individual was released from custody due to the reassessment of their case. This review process is an essential part of implementing the new cannabis law effectively.

In total, approximately 5,400 cases involving cannabis-related offenses were under scrutiny in Berlin as of November 8, 2024. This figure reflects a slight decrease from the previous year's count of over 5,700 cases. The fluctuations in case numbers are attributed to ongoing adjustments and corrections in data management.

Despite the intended benefits of the legislation, it has not been without controversy. The amnesty provision has drawn criticism from various judicial authorities who have reported increased workloads without the anticipated reduction of strains on the legal system. Officials from the Berlin Senate's Justice and Consumer Protection Department have expressed disappointment, noting that the hoped-for alleviation of judicial pressure and the projected reduction of the black market have not materialized.

Justice Senator Felor Badenberg has been a vocal opponent of the cannabis law since its inception and advocates for its repeal. She emphasized the need for a thorough evaluation of the law's impacts. The Justice Department has committed to ongoing discussions with other states to monitor the law's implementation closely.

As the situation continues to evolve, the future of cannabis legislation in Berlin remains a topic of considerable interest and discussion within legal and political circles.