Germany’s Cannabis Legalisation: What’s Working — And What Isn’t

Germany legalised cannabis in 2024. A new report shows what’s changed, what hasn’t — and what could come next.

Dear Reader,

A year and a half ago, Germany joined the likes of Spain and the Netherlands in partially legalising marijuana. Cannabis legalisation in Germany was meant to weaken criminal gangs and improve public health — but early evidence suggests the reality is more complicated.

While it wasn’t suddenly possible to light up a casual joint in a café à la…