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Dealers, data, and disinformation—the decriminalization of cannabis in Germany is working!
The 2025 Cannabis Act: between criticism and reality
Since cannabis was partially legalized in April 2024, the topic has hardly disappeared from the headlines. Politicians such as Hendrik Streeck (CDU), Nina Warken (CDU), and Andreas Gassen (KBV) are calling for stricter rules or even a reversal. However, current figures, studies, and the first evaluation report on the Cannabis Act (CanG) show that many of the arguments against legalization are based on myths—not facts. This analysis separates political rhetoric from verifiable results.
Myth 1: The black market has profited
Critics claim that legalization has fueled the illegal market. Streeck warned: “If this sector grows, then the black market will also grow—just under a different name.” He is referring to so-called social supply, i.e., the exchange of cannabis between friends.
But this assessment is factually incorrect. Social supply replaces the black market rather than promoting it. Consumers obtain cannabis from acquaintances instead of dealers – this represents a shift, not growth. Streeck’s criticism of telemedicine (“dealers in white coats”) also highlights an undesirable development that is more market-driven than moral: medical cannabis suppliers responded to demand that the state did not meet.
According to the BfArM, the import volume for 2025 has been set at 122 tons – a figure that was already reached in the third quarter. Extrapolated, this corresponds to at least 160 tons of legal cannabis, or around 22% of total consumption, which will be withdrawn from the black market in 2025.
The interim report on the evaluation of the CanG also confirms that home cultivation has become one of the most important sources of supply. According to estimates, it covers 10–20% of total consumption.
The result: between 30 and 40 percent of the black market has already disappeared thanks to legalization. This is a clear success – not a step backwards!
Myth 2: Cannabis use has risen sharply
Hendrik Streeck argues that the BIÖG drug affinity study shows an increase from 20.6% (2015) to 31.6% (2025) among young men. This figure is correct—but statistically misleading. If we take 2023 as a basis for comparison and look at the 18–25 age group, the increase is only 2.4 percentage points. This marginal increase falls within the range of normal social fluctuations and has no significant connection to legalization. The evaluation report also confirms that consumption among young people has been declining slightly since 2019 and that there is no urgent need for action to protect children and young people.
Conclusion: The claim that the Cannabis Act has caused consumption to skyrocket is a myth. The figures show stability – not an increase.
Myth 3: The permitted quantities of possession are too high
Both Warken and Streeck consider the possession limits of 25 grams in public and 50 grams at home to be too generous.
“No one needs 150 joints in their pocket. That just makes it easier for small-time dealers to do business,” says Streeck.
However, according to evaluation data:
16 percent of consumers use cannabis almost daily, averaging 36 g per month,
19 percent use it at least once a week, averaging about 12.5 g per month.
This means that the legal limits are realistic and appropriate. They enable self-supply and protect consumers from being criminalized for minor violations with each harvest.
On the contrary, for many home growers, the quantities are even too low to ensure continuous, legal self-supply.
Myth 4: Legalization endangers young people
Opponents of the Cannabis Act 2025 – led by KBV boss Andreas Gassen – warn of an “initiative to trivialize drugs.” However, according to the evaluation report, consumption among young people has been declining since 2019, and no urgent need for action to protect young people has been identified.
Legal distribution points and mandatory counseling requirements create controlled, safe access that protects young people better than an unregulated black market with contaminated goods.
Conclusion: Legalization protects young people instead of endangering them.
Overall conclusion: The Cannabis Act 2025 works – but needs improvement
| Evaluation point | Facts in 2025 | Effect |
| Black market | 30–40% decline | Positive |
| Consumption behavior | Stable, no significant increase | Neutral |
| Protection of minors | No action required according to evaluation | Positive |
| Quantities possessed | Realistic in comparison to consumer behavior | Appropriate |
| Home cultivation | 10–20% share of total consumption | Successful |
The Cannabis Act 2025 is not a failed experiment, but a controlled, evidence-based reform with long-term effects.
Legalization was not a mistake—it was the first realistic step toward a modern, evidence-based drug policy.
FAQs about the Cannabis Act 2025
1. Will cannabis be banned again in Germany?
2. Has the black market benefited from legalization?
On the contrary—home cultivation and medical cannabis have reduced it by up to 40%.
3. Has consumption increased since legalization?
Only minimally. The increase is around 2.4% compared to 2023 and is statistically insignificant.
4. Why is possession of 50 grams allowed?
Because this corresponds to the average monthly requirement of many consumers and legally safeguards personal cultivation.
5. How does the law protect young people?
Through controlled dispensing, advisory obligations, and clear prohibitions on consumption in the presence of minors.
6. What are the benefits of growing your own?
It reduces dependence on the black market, minimizes contamination, and ensures quality assurance.