Federal Council recommends “zero tolerance” for combined cannabis and alcohol use in road traffic
Source: German Cannabis Assoc
2025-11-07 | In document 514/1/25, the Bundesrat recommended banning the combined use of cannabis and alcohol while driving. The recommendation is based on the first interim report evaluating the Cannabis Consumption Act (EKOCAN), which showed an increase in accidents under the influence of cannabis and other intoxicants by 6.4 % between 2014 and 2023, with an additional 9.5 % increase from April to December 2024 after the law came into effect.
The recommendation treats the combination of cannabis—including medical cannabis—and alcohol as an administrative offense under § 24a StVG and proposes its inclusion in Annex 4 of the driver’s license regulation. Scientific evidence shows negative interactions, such as increased drowsiness. Both the Goslar Traffic Court and the insurance association have called for a zero-tolerance policy. The measure should be implemented independently of the final 2028 evaluation to enhance traffic safety, with adjustments possible based on future findings.
