Increase in Patients Seeking Medical Attention for Issues Linked to Cannabis Use - Increase in Patients Experiencing Issues with Cannabis Use
In March 2024, Germany took a significant step by partially legalizing the recreational use of cannabis, a decision that has since sparked a series of health concerns and regulatory responses.
### The Rise in Cannabis-Related Health Issues
Since the legalization, there has been a noticeable increase in cannabis-related health issues, particularly mental health disorders and dependency risks. According to a Forsa survey commissioned by the German Health Ministry (KKH), 39% of respondents believed that the partial legalization of cannabis "opened the door to excessive cannabis consumption."
The surge in cannabis-related health issues is evident in the rising number of treatments due to mental disorders associated with cannabis use and the increase in dependency cases. Inpatient treatments for cannabis-related disorders have increased sevenfold since 2000, while outpatient treatments have tripled during the same period.
### A Shift in Regulation and Legislation
In response to these concerns, the German government is tightening regulations with new legislation to enforce safer consumption. In July 2025, the government introduced a bill to amend the Medical Cannabis Act. The proposed changes aim to restrict access by requiring in-person consultations with doctors for prescriptions and limiting cannabis flower sales to licensed pharmacies only—prohibiting mail orders.
### Monitoring and Data Collection
Authorities are actively monitoring health impacts and usage patterns through import data and treatment records. The government’s ongoing evaluation is driving responsive regulation to balance the expanding cannabis market with the imperative to protect public health.
However, the legal context presents challenges. Germany’s move to legalize recreational cannabis partially defies EU regulations and international treaties, complicating enforcement and cross-border policy alignment.
### The Future of Cannabis Regulation in Germany
The effects of the cannabis law passed by the traffic light government will be evaluated in the fall. Union politicians are calling for a reversal of the partial legalization, while others advocate for a balanced approach that prioritizes public health and responsible consumption.
As the situation remains under continuous evaluation, it is clear that the German government is committed to striking a balance between the expanding cannabis market and the imperative to protect the health and wellbeing of its citizens.
[1] Bundesgesundheitsministerium (2025). Gesetzentwurf zur Änderung des Arzneimittelgesetzes [Bill to amend the Medical Cannabis Act]. Retrieved from https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/
[2] Forsa (2024). Erhebung der Bevölkerung zum Thema Cannabis [Survey of the population on the topic of cannabis]. Retrieved from https://www.forsa.de/
[3] Europäische Union (2024). Europäische Drogenbericht 2024 [European Drug Report 2024]. Retrieved from https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/
[4] KKH (2024). Erhebung zur Cannabis-Konsum und Cannabis-abhängigkeit in Deutschland [Survey on cannabis consumption and cannabis dependence in Germany]. Retrieved from https://www.kkf.org/
[5] Statistisches Bundesamt (2025). Cannabis-Konsum in Deutschland [Cannabis consumption in Germany]. Retrieved from https://www.destatis.de/
- The increase in cannabis-related health issues, particularly mental health disorders and dependency risks, has prompted the German government to address employment policies, ensuring that workers in health-and-wellness sectors, such as mental health facilities and therapy centers, are equipped to handle the surge in treatment demand due to cannabis use.
- In light of the rise in cannabis-related health issues, the community policy advocates for integrating scientific research into education and awareness campaigns to promote mental-health therapies-and-treatments and educate the public on responsible nutrition, recognizing the potential impacts on overall well-being.
- As the German government continues to navigate the legal landscape of cannabis regulation, it is crucial to develop employment policies that encourage workforce diversity, ensuring that individuals with firsthand experience of mental health challenges related to cannabis use find opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into the workforce.
