As Germany inches closer to a critical election in 2025, a new survey reveals that a strong majority of Germans now support legalizing marijuana for adult use, mirroring the policies of several U.S. states. The poll, conducted by the German Hemp Association, shows that 59% of eligible voters are in favour of allowing adults to purchase cannabis from licensed stores. This marks a significant shift in public opinion and a key moment in the ongoing debate surrounding marijuana policy in Germany.
Shift in Public Opinion: A New Majority for Legalization
For the past few years, public opinion on marijuana legalization in Germany had remained stagnant, hovering just below the 50% mark. However, as the country moves forward with its reform law, public support for cannabis legalisation has surged. The German Hemp Association, which commissioned the poll, attributes this change to the growing frustration with the current situation: cannabis use and possession have been legal for adults, but there are no licensed stores where consumers can purchase marijuana. This disconnect has left many feeling that the law is incomplete and needs to be fully realised.
The new poll signals that the public has shifted towards a desire for a more comprehensive legal framework, mirroring models in other countries like the United States, where cannabis is available in many states. This shift indicates that Germans are not only open to the idea of legal cannabis, but also want a system that allows regulated, legal access to marijuana products. The public seems to have concluded, “If we’re going to do it, let’s do it right.”
It’s not just politicians and activists backing this change. A 2022 international survey, which focused on several European nations, also showed strong support for cannabis legalization in Germany. This is a notable development, as it shows that Germany’s approach to marijuana law reform is increasingly in line with broader global trends.
Political Polarization: CDU/CSU Resistance to Reform
Despite the growing public support, political divisions remain a significant challenge for the future of cannabis legalization in Germany. The country’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) parties are the main political groups opposed to the reform. These two conservative parties have openly expressed their opposition to the current cannabis law and have made it clear that they will seek to repeal it if they win in the upcoming elections.
“We are abolishing the traffic light coalition’s cannabis law,” declared the CDU/CSU in their election manifesto. The party’s criticism centres around the notion that the cannabis law would create new risks for public health, claiming that it could expose young people to drug use and addiction. This is a crucial point of contention, as these parties argue that the legalization of cannabis would, in effect, encourage illegal activity and undermine the country’s public health efforts.
Such arguments could resonate with conservative voters, especially those concerned about the potential negative social impacts of widespread marijuana use. Yet, despite this opposition, the poll results indicate that the public may be less receptive to these concerns, with the majority of voters favouring legal access to cannabis through licensed shops.
Local Pilot Programs and International Collaboration
While the political future of Germany’s cannabis law remains uncertain, officials have made significant strides in implementing the policy. Following the legalization of cannabis possession and home cultivation for adults in April, a series of pilot programs and initiatives have been launched to explore the best ways to regulate and sell marijuana.
Just this month, Germany’s Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, approved plans for research-based commercial marijuana pilot programs. These programs are designed to give private companies and universities the opportunity to apply for permits to participate in regulated cannabis sales, while also studying the effects of the policy. Although the commercial pilot programs won’t provide full-scale legal marijuana access, they mark an important step toward implementing a more comprehensive cannabis framework in the country.
Cities like Frankfurt are also making progress on local cannabis initiatives. Frankfurt has announced plans to introduce a five-year pilot program that will allow for broader access to cannabis products. Similarly, other cities, including Hanford, are looking to follow suit, demonstrating a growing momentum at the local level for the legalisation of marijuana.
In addition, Germany has hosted international dialogues on marijuana legalization, bringing together officials from countries like Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland to share experiences. These collaborative efforts aim to tackle common challenges in marijuana legalization, with a particular focus on public health, regulation, and curbing the illicit market.
Global Perspectives and Challenges Ahead
Germany’s efforts to legalize cannabis come at a time when the global conversation about marijuana is becoming more complex. The United Nations (UN) drug control body has consistently stated that it considers the legalisation of marijuana for recreational use to be a violation of international treaties. Despite this, the UN also acknowledged Germany’s attempt to scale back its original cannabis reform plans in order to comply with international law.
Meanwhile, Germany’s political leaders have looked to the United States for inspiration. In 2022, a group of German lawmakers and addiction officials visited California to explore the U.S.’s approach to marijuana businesses. Germany’s continued interest in the U.S. model reflects its desire to balance public health concerns with the benefits of a legal cannabis market.
As Germany prepares for its election in 2025, the future of marijuana legalization hangs in the balance. The country faces a critical moment in its history, where the public’s preference for full cannabis legalization may clash with the political will to roll back reforms. However, with growing momentum behind the reform law and ongoing international collaboration, it seems that the debate over marijuana in Germany is far from over.
