Youth cannabis use declined in Germany following legalisation, study finds
- barneyelias0
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
October 02 2025
Overview
Germany’s legalization of adult-use cannabis in April 2024 led to a decline in youth consumption, per the Federal Institute for Public Health’s “Drug Affinity Study 2025.”
Key Findings
Teen Use (12-17): Past-year cannabis use fell from 6.7% to 6.1% (2023-2025). Regular use (10+ times/year) dropped from 1.3% to 1.1%.
Young Adult Use (18-25): Past-year use rose from 23.3% to 25.6%. Regular use increased from 8.0% to 8.9%, with men’s use rising from 26.9% to 31.6%.
Survey Details: Conducted April-July 2025, surveying 7,001 youths aged 12-25. Compared to 2023 pre-legalization data.
Policy Impact
Cannabis Act (CanG): Legalized possession, cultivation, and non-profit social clubs for adults. Aims: youth protection, health safety, curbing illegal markets.
Legal Sources: Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences study shows 90% of consumers now use legal sources, up from 23.5% pre-legalization.
Official Statements
Karl Lauterbach (Former Health Minister): “Legalization debate reduced youth consumption. Bans don’t deter young people.” (via X)
Johannes Nießen (Federal Institute): “Adolescent use hasn’t increased, but young adult use, especially among men, needs close monitoring.”
Global Context
Canada: Youth cannabis use stable post-2018 legalization.
US: Teen use stable or declining in legal states.
Implications
Legalization’s regulatory framework may protect youth by limiting access to unregulated cannabis while enabling better education.
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