https://cannabis-startups.com/one-year-after-cannabis-legalization-in-germany-political-turmoil-and-a-possible-rollback/I always quietly thought to myself, “somebodys having a larf” when Germany implemented on April 1 2024.
Notice how I use the word implement which is a nice fuzzy way of saying the ink did dry but not much else happened except some Canadians bored with making shitloads of money selling overstock to Australia did the same trick in Germany.
OK i simplify things but in terms of structure really we are no further down the road that this, as the following article makes abundantly clear.
Cannabis Start-ups write
Today, cannabis is dominating the headlines in Germany – and for good reason: Exactly one year ago, the country’s partial legalization law came into effect, marking a bold step toward modern drug policy. International observers saw Germany as a pioneer in Europe.
But just twelve months later, the political tide is turning. As coalition negotiations unfold between the Social Democrats (SPD) and the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, pressure is mounting—especially from Bavaria’s CSU—to fully repeal the legalization law.
This brewing political storm is sending shockwaves through the cannabis industry, raising serious questions for startups, investors, and regulators alike.
Background: What Changed in 2024?
Under the previous “Ampel” coalition government (a center-left alliance of Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats), Germany passed a law allowing adults to:
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Possess up to 25 grams of cannabis in public.
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Store up to 50 grams at home.
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Grow up to three cannabis plants for personal use.
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Join non-commercial cannabis cultivation clubs (“Anbauvereine”).
The goal: reduce the black market, improve health education, and promote safer consumption through controlled, transparent systems.
Now: A Political Push to Reverse Legalization
Following recent elections, coalition talks are underway between the Social Democrats (SPD) and the conservative CDU/CSU alliance. The Christian Social Union (CSU), the conservative party governing Bavaria, is taking a hard stance. They demand a complete reversal of cannabis legalization.
Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) has called legalization a “dangerous mistake” and claims it has done nothing to reduce the illegal market. He argues that cannabis-related traffic offenses have increased, and organized crime is still thriving. Bavaria has become the only German state that has not issued a single license for cultivation clubs.
Judith Gerlach, Bavaria’s health minister, echoed the call for prohibition, saying: “Now is the time to end the trivialization of this dangerous drug.”
Impact on the Cannabis Industry
If the new government agrees to a rollback, cannabis clubs across the country—especially in eastern states like Saxony and Thuringia—might be forced to shut down. Their investments would be lost, and legal battles could follow. Entrepreneurs and early investors now face uncertainty.
Cannabis-Startups have voiced opposition, pointing out that the law is still in its early stages. An official evaluation of its impact is scheduled for later this year. They argue that Germany needs more time and data before making such a drastic policy shift.
Law Enforcement: Still No Clarity
Police unions have also criticized the current framework, but not for the same reasons. They report confusion around how to handle legal vs. illegal possession, especially in traffic stops. They demand clearer rules and better training rather than an outright ban.
What’s Next?
Germany is at a crossroads. If conservatives gain more influence in the ongoing coalition talks, the country might become the first in Europe to legalize and then re-criminalize cannabis—a dramatic shift that would send shockwaves across the continent.
For now, all eyes are on Berlin.
One Year After Cannabis Legalization in Germany: Political Turmoil and a Possible Rollback
