CDU calls for reversal of cannabis legalization - Germany's cannabis law faces CDU backlash as health and safety fears grow

Germany's partial legalisation of cannabis has sparked fierce debate since it took effect on 1 April 2024. While supporters argue the law eases pressure on courts by reducing minor drug cases, critics warn of rising health risks for young people and enforcement challenges. Now, the CDU is pushing to reverse the legislation entirely, claiming it has created new social and public safety problems.

The current law, introduced by the previous traffic-light coalition, allows adults to possess and grow limited amounts of cannabis under strict rules. But the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the CSU, have long opposed the change. During their recent party conference, delegates voted overwhelmingly to reinstate a full ban on possession, cultivation, and distribution.

The coalition agreement with the SPD, however, only commits to an 'open-ended evaluation' of the law rather than an outright repeal. Health Minister Nina Warken, who also leads the CDU's Women's Union, has repeatedly raised concerns about 'troubling trends' linked to the policy. She points to increased cannabis-related illnesses among young people and difficulties in protecting vulnerable groups.

Public opinion remains divided, with roughly equal numbers supporting and opposing the legalisation. Advocates stress that cannabis poses fewer risks than legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, while opponents highlight the practical struggles for police and the potential for greater youth exposure. The debate now centres on whether stricter controls—or a return to prohibition—would better address these health and safety issues.

The CDU's push to overturn the law reflects deep concerns over its impact on health and public order. Yet any reversal would require broader political agreement, given the current coalition's more cautious stance. For now, the policy remains in place, but its future hangs on ongoing evaluations and shifting public attitudes.