Cannabis Use Continues to Rise in Germany After Partial Legalization

Recent research indicates that cannabis consumption in Germany has continued its upward trend following the partial legalization of the substance. Data from the 2024 Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse (ESA) reveals that nearly one in ten adults reported using cannabis within the past year, highlighting a steady increase in usage over the past decade.

The ESA survey, conducted between August and December 2024, collected responses from 7,534 individuals aged 18 to 64. The findings show that 9.8 percent of participants admitted to consuming cannabis during the previous twelve months. This represents a notable rise compared to 4.5 percent in 2012 and 8.8 percent in 2021.

The partial legalization of cannabis, enacted in April 2024, permits adults to possess and cultivate the drug under specific regulations. Individuals are allowed to grow up to three cannabis plants in private residences and store up to 50 grams at home, while carrying up to 25 grams in public. Additional restrictions include prohibitions on consumption near schools and playgrounds, as well as bans on use in the presence of minors. The law also allows the formation of non-commercial cannabis cultivation clubs with up to 500 members, known as cannabis clubs.

While the survey observed a slight increase in consumption rates following the change in legislation, the data indicates that the rise is statistically insignificant in the immediate months after legalization. Researchers caution that it is too early to determine the full impact of the new regulations on long-term consumption patterns.

The survey also provides insights into consumption habits. A significant majority of respondents (88.6 percent) reported that smoking joints remains the most common method of cannabis use. Additionally, approximately 68 percent of users combined cannabis with tobacco. Membership in cannabis clubs accounted for nearly a quarter of users, while over 22 percent reported cultivating the plant themselves.

Demographic analysis from the survey shows that men continue to represent the majority of cannabis consumers, comprising 65.6 percent of users. The primary motivations for using cannabis include seeking recreational effects or relaxation, with 66.8 percent citing enjoyment as their main reason and 61.3 percent using it to alleviate stress.

Experts emphasize that the data collected within months of the new law's implementation is insufficient to draw conclusions about the broader societal and health impacts of legalization. Ongoing monitoring and future surveys will be essential to understand how consumption trends evolve under the current legal framework.