Germany’s experiment with cannabis reform remains intact—for now.
Following weeks of tense coalition negotiations, the newly formed alliance between the CDU/CSU and SPD has decided not to reverse the country’s groundbreaking cannabis legalization law, known as CanG. Despite fervent objections from Bavaria’s conservative leadership, the federal government has committed to maintaining the current legislation and will move forward with an official policy review slated for late 2025.
This decision secures Germany’s place as one of Europe’s most progressive cannabis markets. Since April 1, 2024, German adults have been allowed to legally grow, possess, and use limited quantities of cannabis for personal consumption. The law further expanded on July 1, 2024, granting permission for the creation of cannabis cultivation associations under strict regulatory conditions.
A Nation Divided, a Law Untouched—For Now
Though the legalization law remains untouched for the moment, it has been a source of heated political debate. Bavarian officials, particularly from the Christian Social Union (CSU), led the charge in trying to reverse the policy during coalition talks. Their efforts, however, fell short.
The final coalition agreement, according to public broadcaster MDR Aktuell, does not include any clause that would dismantle cannabis legalization. Instead, it outlines plans for an “objective evaluation” of the law’s social and economic impacts beginning in autumn 2025. Findings are expected in 2026.
This middle ground represents a delicate balance between the CDU’s more centrist approach and the CSU’s hardline stance. Thorsten Frei, deputy chair of the CDU parliamentary group, stated in March that cannabis wasn’t a central focus for his party during negotiations—a signal that compromise was likely.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD), on the other hand, remained mostly quiet during talks. But Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert, an SPD member, later emphasized the significance of the law. “It’s helped promote an honest, decriminalized drug policy,” Blienert said, stressing the need for evidence-based evaluations instead of reactionary rollbacks.
Bavaria’s Solo Mission
While federal law still stands, Bavaria is taking a very different approach on the state level. Officials there have refused to authorize any cannabis cultivation clubs—making Bavaria the only state with no legal grows beyond private, personal cultivation.
Bavarian Health Minister Judith Gerlach doubled down on the region’s zero-tolerance attitude, calling for an immediate and total reversal of recreational cannabis legalization. “We haven’t issued a single permit,” she said in a recent statement. “This experiment must end.”
Her sentiment echoes that of Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, who has publicly called the legalization effort a “mistake” and claimed it falsely promises a reduction in black-market activity.
Industry and Medicine Move Forward
Despite political friction, Germany’s cannabis industry is moving steadily forward. Perhaps the most significant shift from the CanG law is the removal of cannabis from the country’s Narcotics List—an act that has dramatically improved access for patients and streamlined the medical cannabis supply chain.
According to the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC), this regulatory change has opened doors for increased research and investment. Clinical trials, supply chain operations, and local pilot programs for legal cannabis sales in select municipalities are now in motion, with dozens of applications under review.
Yet, not everyone is convinced. Klaus Reinhardt, president of the German Medical Association, remains skeptical of the policy’s public health effects. He warned that the law may expose young people to greater risk and challenged the idea that legalization reduces harm.
Still, experts like addiction researcher Jakob Manthey argue for a more scientific, less reactionary approach. “The discussion should be guided by data, not fear,” he stated in an interview with MDR.
What’s Next?
The 2025 policy review looms large over the future of German cannabis reform. While the law currently remains unchanged, its fate will likely hinge on the findings of that upcoming evaluation. Until then, cultivation associations—outside of Bavaria—can continue to grow, and adult-use cannabis remains legal nationwide.
Whether Germany doubles down on reform or folds under political pressure remains to be seen. But for now, Europe’s largest economy is standing by its boldest cannabis policy yet.
