Germany’s Cannabis Legislation Faces Criticism

LOS ANGELES- Germany’s recent legalization of cannabis has encountered significant criticism from various stakeholders, highlighting challenges in its implementation and effectiveness.

Criticism from Berlin’s Justice Senator

Felor Badenberg, Berlin’s Justice Senator, has expressed concerns that the new cannabis laws have hindered efforts to combat the black market and organized crime. She points out that police operations, such as telephone surveillance, are now restricted, leading to acquittals in cases involving large-scale cannabis smuggling. Badenberg, along with officials from Baden-Württemberg, has proposed a motion to repeal the current legislation.

Bureaucratic Hurdles and Market Impact

The partial legalization has also been criticized for its complex regulations and bureaucratic obstacles. Consumers and entrepreneurs face challenges in establishing cannabis clubs due to stringent requirements and lengthy approval processes. This situation has inadvertently sustained the illegal cannabis trade, as individuals resort to unregulated sources during the prolonged waiting periods for legal alternatives.

Despite these challenges, some companies have reported growth. For instance, Cannara Biotech Inc. achieved a national market share of 3.2% in Q4 2024, a 39% increase from the prior year, and plans to expand production capacity in fiscal 2025.

As Germany navigates the complexities of cannabis legalization, the government faces the task of addressing these criticisms to ensure the legislation meets its intended objectives of reducing illegal trade and effectively regulating cannabis use.