Cannabis policy reform continued to make headlines around the world in 2024, as countries from Europe to Oceania re-evaluated their stances on marijuana. With debates about legalization, medical access, and harm reduction strategies intensifying, key developments emerged from nations like Germany, Ukraine, and Australia. These milestones represent a growing shift toward more progressive drug policies globally.
Germany: Pioneering Cannabis Legalization in Europe
Germany made waves in 2024 with a landmark move toward cannabis legalization for adults. In April, the country’s legalization law took effect, allowing adults to possess and cultivate marijuana at home. Social clubs, where members can legally obtain cannabis, also began to open, signaling the start of a regulated cannabis market.
The most notable development came in December, when Germany’s agriculture minister approved research-focused commercial marijuana pilot programs. These initiatives aim to study the impact of legal cannabis sales, paving the way for a broader rollout of adult-use cannabis in the future. Cities like Frankfurt and Hanford have already outlined five-year pilot programs for regulated sales, and other localities are expected to follow.
However, the upcoming February 2025 election could challenge these reforms. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) parties have pledged to repeal the cannabis law if they gain power, citing concerns about youth exposure and addiction. Despite their opposition, a majority of German voters—59%—support licensed cannabis sales, according to recent polling.
Germany’s progress reflects a broader trend in Europe, where public opinion and legislative action increasingly favour regulated cannabis markets over prohibition.
Medical Marijuana Gains Ground in Ukraine
Ukraine joined the growing list of countries expanding medical cannabis access, marking a significant policy shift amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. After overcoming procedural hurdles, Ukraine’s medical marijuana law officially took effect in 2024. The legislation allows cannabis use for severe illnesses and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), conditions affecting many citizens due to the war.
Although the framework for legal access is now in place, patients likely won’t see products available until 2025 as infrastructure and supply chains are established. Health officials are currently working to address logistical challenges and expand qualifying conditions beyond cancer and war-related PTSD. Advocates hope the legislation will eventually cover illnesses like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has been a vocal supporter of medical marijuana, aligning his position with public health experts who argue that cannabis can provide much-needed relief to patients with chronic and debilitating conditions. Ukraine’s move is both a humanitarian effort and a testament to the resilience of its health system during a time of national crisis.
UN Calls for Global Drug Policy Overhaul
The United Nations took a bold stance against punitive drug policies in 2024, with the High Commissioner for Human Rights declaring the global war on drugs a failure. Speaking at a conference in Warsaw, Commissioner Volker Türk criticised criminalisation and prohibition as ineffective strategies that disproportionately harm vulnerable populations.
Türk’s remarks followed a series of UN reports and statements advocating for harm reduction measures. These include decriminalization, supervised consumption sites, and the widespread availability of naloxone to prevent overdoses. A report published earlier in the year encouraged member states to consider “alternative regulatory approaches” for controlled substances, citing the success of models like Canada’s legal cannabis market in reducing illicit activity.
This shift in rhetoric signals growing international consensus around treating drug use as a public health issue rather than a criminal offence. As more countries explore progressive reforms, the UN’s position provides a powerful endorsement for evidence-based approaches to drug policy.
Other Global Developments: Poland, Australia, and Beyond
While Germany and Ukraine captured much of the spotlight, other nations also made significant strides in cannabis policy:
- Poland began discussing adult-use cannabis reforms, with lawmakers exploring pilot programs similar to Germany’s. Public sentiment in Poland is shifting, reflecting broader European trends.
- Australia continued its medical cannabis expansion, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration easing access for patients. Discussions around decriminalization gained momentum, though full legalization remains a topic of debate.
- Canada marked five years of legal cannabis with a UN report highlighting its success in curbing illicit markets. The findings may influence other nations considering legalization.
These developments highlight how cannabis reform is increasingly being shaped by both local needs and global influences.
The Bigger Picture: A Changing Landscape for Cannabis Policy
The cannabis reform movement gained undeniable traction in 2024, fueled by changing public attitudes, political will, and international cooperation. Countries like Germany and Ukraine showcased how diverse motivations—from economic opportunities to humanitarian needs—are driving legislative change.
The UN’s call for a shift from criminalisation to harm reduction further underscores the need for evidence-based approaches. As more nations adopt progressive policies, the global conversation around cannabis is evolving from prohibition toward regulation and public health.
By the year’s end, it was clear that marijuana reform is no longer a regional phenomenon. It’s a global dialogue, reshaping how societies view and manage one of humanity’s oldest cultivated plants.
