Berlin. The Ekocan research project presented its second interim report on the evaluation of Germany's Cannabis Act on Wednesday. While some of the effects intended by lawmakers have already partially materialized, the report also identifies "problematic developments."

Germany's Cannabis Act faces backlash over youth protection failures

From a criminological perspective, one clear positive is that more consumers are now sourcing cannabis from legal channels. However, the report suggests legislative intervention may be needed in certain areas. For instance, cannabis cultivation associations still play only a marginal role in the market. The researchers recommend that lawmakers review the current restrictive legal and institutional frameworks governing the approval of these associations. The same applies to the numerous regulations on cultivation and distribution, as well as the ban on consumption within the associations. Additionally, the report calls for cultivation associations to be permitted to provide neutral online information about their offerings.

Another issue is the apparent failure to implement measures aimed at strengthening child and youth protection through early intervention. The researchers urge an assessment of how cooperation among the relevant stakeholders—including police and regulatory authorities, public youth services, addiction prevention and counseling centers, and legal guardians—could be better coordinated. Further shortcomings involve declining uptake of addiction counseling services, the pursuit of organized crime, and the market for medical cannabis.

In response to the report, the federal government acknowledged an "urgent need for action." "The partial legalization of recreational cannabis was a mistake," said Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU). She warned that early intervention programs designed to deter young people from using cannabis have seen a sharp decline, and ignoring this trend puts their health at risk. "Moreover, the blurred line between recreational and purely medical cannabis is becoming an increasing problem." She also highlighted the proliferation of poorly regulated online offers targeting young people with high-THC cannabis products, systematically violating advertising bans.

Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) dismissed the Cannabis Act as a "total fiasco," calling it "a threat to young people and a driver of crime." He argued that security authorities' concerns had been ignored, with the result that "the black market is thriving and crime is rising. Instead of protecting youth, this law only puts them in danger."

Federal Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) accused the traffic-light coalition government of having done a "disservice" to addiction prevention for children and adolescents. "Early intervention is crucial—especially given cannabis's role as a gateway drug. We urgently need to correct course."