German coalition confirms legalization of cannabis

The German coalition government confirmed that no immediate changes would be made to the cannabis legalization.

This decision comes after months of political speculation and follows growing pressure from industry players, healthcare professionals and the general public to maintain the existing regulatory framework.

Coalition agreement reassures patients and consumers

The news coalition between CDU/CSU and SPD, made official in April 2025, included a joint decision not to go back on the cannabis law (CanG). According to the coalition agreement entitled «Verantwortung für Deutschland», the law will remain in force at least until the evaluation provided for in section’autumn 2025.

This political compromise was welcomed by the’German Hemp Association (DHV), who praised the SPD for defending the legacy of the former health minister, Karl Lauterbach, who led the reform. The general manager of the DHV, Georg Wurth, The result was a welcome one for the millions of cannabis users in Germany, who can now live more peacefully in the knowledge that they will not face further criminalization.

Public opinion also seems to favor the current cannabis framework. According to recent opinion polls, only a minority of Germans are in favor of repealing the Cannabis Act. law on the legalization of adult use. A YouGov survey revealed that only 38% of Germans were in favor of turning back the clock, while a Forsa survey, commissioned by KKH Kaufmännische Krankenkasse, revealed that 55% of Germans opposed to repeal of legalization.

Legal experts and institutions also spoke out against the dismantling of CanG. The New Judges' Association (NRV) warned that a return to prohibition would overburden the judicial system, forcing authorities to refocus on the prosecution of low-level possession cases. In addition, a return to the law could have legal and financial consequences, including claims for compensation from licensed Cannabis Clubs, These authorizations are valid for seven years and are linked to major investments in cultivation.

The booming medical market after legalization

Germany's decision does not not just the legalization of adult use, but it also strengthens the medical cannabis market of the country, which has grown exponentially. According to Bloomwell Group, Germany's largest medical cannabis marketplace, the prescriptions jumped by more than 1,000% between March and December 2024 following the implementation of the CanG.

«Germany's end-to-end digital model connects patients, doctors and pharmacies,» explained the Dr Julian Wichmann, CEO of Bloomwell, in a recent media appearance. This infrastructure has made it possible to streamline access and considerably reduce prices - of 20 euros at 7 euros per gram- making the legal medical cannabis more affordable than black-market alternatives.

This solid ecosystem makes’Germany a pioneer in cannabis reform and an example for other countries exploring similar regulatory avenues. The country also recorded 70% increase in medical cannabis imports within three months of the law coming into force.

Upcoming evaluations and experiments

Although no legislative changes are expected in the immediate future, the government is preparing for a detailed review of the CanG Act. As part of this process, the’German association of cannabis companies (BvCW) ) and other stakeholders are lobbying for faster scientific model projects that would enable controlled distribution of cannabis. These tests are intended to provide data that will serve as a basis for any adjustments to the legal framework, on the same model as the 7 Swiss pilot tests currently underway.