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Germany: CDU MP Christin Christ says cannabis legalization was a “big mistake” and wants to reverse decision
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More than a year after Germany partially legalised cannabis, allowing limited possession, home cultivation and regulated distribution in clubs, the measure remains controversial, especially among more conservative lawmakers. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Germany's largest opposition party, has stepped up its efforts to repeal the legalisation, citing worrying implications for public health and alleging unfulfilled promises regarding crime prevention and the efficiency of the legal system. Speaking to the German newspaper World, the CDU deputy says that legalization was a big political mistake.
Since April 1, 2024, adults aged 18 and over are legally allowed to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis in public and possess up to 50 grams at home. In addition, they are allowed to grow up to three cannabis plants for personal use. Legalization has been further expanded to include cannabis clubs with up to 500 non-commercial members, starting in July. These associations are subject to strict regulatory conditions for the cultivation and distribution of cannabis.
However, consumption continues to be tightly controlled and subject to numerous restrictions, particularly in public spaces and near educational establishments or playgrounds.
CDU MP Christin Christ says Germany's cannabis law is "absurd".
CDU classifies legalization as a “big political mistake”
Christin Christ, the CDU's official health representative in Hamburg, strongly disapproves of the legalization efforts, calling them a "cardinal mistake" by the current federal coalition government led by the SPD, Greens and FDP — popularly known as the "traffic light coalition." According to Christ, legalization entails significant risks to public health, particularly among young people and young adults.
He also called the government’s anticipated cost savings from decriminalization “unrealistic.” Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach previously predicted that legalization would result in annual savings of more than €800 billion: €220 million in reduced policing costs, €35 million in legal expenses and €XNUMX million in reduced pressure on law enforcement agencies.
Tax benefits of legalization still unclear
In contrast to the optimistic projections, the Hamburg Senate has expressed reservations about the financial benefits of legalization. Officials say it is premature to determine whether decriminalization will actually reduce spending on law enforcement and the justice system. Indeed, Christ argues that taxpayers are currently saddled with millions in costs to enforce what she calls an “absurd” cannabis law.
Christin Christ pointed out that legalization introduced new complexities, requiring more extensive oversight and regulation, straining public resources.
Hamburg Senate says health and crime targets missed
According to the Hamburg Senate’s internal assessment, the first year of legalisation has not produced the expected improvements in public health or criminal justice. The investigating authorities say that the illegal cannabis market remains robust, with no significant decrease in black market activity or overall demand observed.
The national authority's spokesman said there was no evidence that partial legalisation had had an impact on reducing illicit trade. In fact, CDU representatives said the policy had the opposite effect, encouraging drug trafficking and undermining efforts to protect young people.
Christ: Legalization puts youth and public health at risk
Christ issued a stark warning about the long-term social impacts of the law. “Hamburg is being flooded with drugs, now even partially legal,” he said. “This is the opposite of a responsible health policy. Young people are especially at risk.”
The CDU argues that accessibility and normalisation of cannabis use could lead to increased use among teenagers and young adults, potentially worsening mental health problems and addiction rates. They insist that a preventative approach is vital to safeguard the well-being of future generations.
Mayor Peter Tschentscher and Interior Minister Andy Grote, both SPD members, had already expressed their opposition to the legalisation of cannabis. However, they allowed the city of Hamburg to abstain from voting on the measure due to coalition agreements with the Greens.
The CDU is currently putting pressure on the Hamburg Senate to take decisive action. A formal request has been made for the Senate to submit a repeal initiative to the Federal Council (Bundesrat) as soon as possible.
The newly formed black-red federal coalition has pledged to conduct an impartial assessment of cannabis legalization in the autumn. However, CDU leaders argue that more immediate action is needed. “I hope that the Senate will define a clear position and promote a swift reversal of cannabis legalization at federal level,” Christ said.
This strong push for legislative reversal reflects growing dissatisfaction among conservative politicians and parts of the public who believe that the risks associated with legalization outweigh its alleged benefits.
Reassessment of German cannabis policy
As Germany grapples with the challenges of regulating cannabis, the debate remains open. Proponents of legalization argue that it would reduce harm, promote economic savings and reform the criminal justice system. Critics, on the other hand, point to concerns about public safety, youth exposure and the persistence of the black market.
It is not yet possible to predict whether the CDU’s efforts will result in a rollback of legalization or simply in stricter regulation. It is clear that cannabis policy will continue to be a key political battleground in Germany in the coming months and years.
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[Disclaimer: Please note that this text was originally written in Portuguese and is translated into English and other languages using an automatic translator. Some words may differ from the original and typos or errors may occur in other languages.]____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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With a professional background in CAD technical drawing (2D and 3D), João Xabregas is an activist and advocate for all uses and applications of cannabis. He discovered and entered the world of cannabis during his youth, where he developed a special interest in the cultivation of the plant, which led him on a journey of self-learning through the world of cannabis that continues to this day. His adventures linked to cannabis cultivation began with the same goal as many others: to be able to guarantee the quality and eliminate any possible risks to his health of what he consumed, as well as to avoid any type of dependence on the illicit market. However, he quickly began to view the world of cannabis and everything related to it with a very different perspective. He admits the enormous passion he has for the most persecuted plant in the world and about which he is always willing to write and have a good conversation.
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