“In terms of public safety, Dobrindt called the legislation a “total flop”, saying it was “harmful to young people and encouraging crime”.”

“The experts’ study provided a more nuanced view. Consumption among adults from legal sources was gradually increasing, the researchers from three major German universities found, thus “slowly squeezing out” the underworld trade.”

“With regard to overall use in Germany, “an increase in consumption that could be attributed to the reform is not apparent at this stage”, the researchers found.”

“They estimate that total annual demand in Germany stands at between 670 and 823 tonnes, with an increasing number of consumers cultivating cannabis themselves.”

“About 5 million people in Germany smoke cannabis at least occasionally.”

“Non-commercial growing associations, known as cannabis clubs, which are permitted subject to authorisation, “still play a minor role in partially displacing the black market”.”

“The experts pointed to the complexity of obtaining a licence, which is subject to a raft of conditions. Just 3.5% of consumers last year got their weed from a cannabis club.”

“Kinzig recommended “relaxing these very restrictive eligibility criteria for growers’ associations slightly, so that cannabis can then also be obtained legally through these associations”.”

“Wegge and Pantazis warned organised crime would remain strong in regions such as Bavaria that have blocked the establishment of cannabis clubs.”

“The research clearly showed, they said, that “it is precisely these clubs that are needed to supply people safely and in a controlled manner. They are an essential component in curbing organised crime.””

“Early interventions by the authorities to prevent addiction among children and young people had also declined, the authors of the study said, perhaps because fewer violations now led to criminal charges.”

“Youth consumption had nevertheless fallen steadily since 2019.”

“At the same time, police reported difficulties in prosecuting the illegal cannabis trade given the dense thicket of regulations, even as judges’ associations welcomed a “significant reduction” in their caseloads.”

“Given the complexities of acquiring legal cannabis, many Germans get their marijuana for recreational use with doctor’s prescriptions via online pharmacies – a loophole the government is moving to close.”

“The study found that Germany had created Europe’s biggest legal commercial market for medical marijuana, with 200 tonnes of imports last year. That was up nearly 200% on the previous year, and much of it had high concentrations of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, the study said.”

“The final report is due in April 2028, on the basis of which the government will decide on the CDU/CSU’s drive to abolish the legislation.”