Among over 2,000 Germans who had used cannabis, just 7% had ever spoken to their general practitioner about it, even after Germany legalized cannabis in 2024.
Primary care physicians, public health officials, cannabis policy researchers
Only 7% of German cannabis users had ever discussed their use with a doctor
What the researchers found
Only 7.0% of 2,057 ever-users reported discussing cannabis with their GP. The rate was higher among past-year users (16.2%) and frequent users (up to 26%). Discussion was more common among those aged 65+, with low education, low income, and frequent use.
Why it matters
Germany legalized cannabis in April 2024, making this a critical moment for primary care. If only 7% of cannabis users discuss their use with doctors, the opportunity for harm reduction, screening, and clinical guidance is being largely missed.
The numbers in context
2,057 ever-users; 7.0% (n=139) ever discussed cannabis with GP; 16.2% of past-year users; up to 26% of frequent users; associated with older age (65+), low education, low income, and frequent use; Germany legalized April 1, 2024
How the study worked
Repeated cross-sectional household survey (DEBRA study) of Germans aged 14+ conducted in bi-monthly waves. All respondents who reported ever using cannabis were asked whether they had discussed their use with a GP or received advice.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design captures a snapshot, cannot determine if legalization changed discussion rates, self-report may undercount discussions, German healthcare system may differ from others, survey conducted around legalization transition
How to read the evidence
Large representative household survey with validated measures; strong descriptive data for Germany but may not generalize to other countries
When this study was published
Published 2025
The bigger picture
Post-legalization, the primary care setting becomes the logical venue for cannabis-related guidance. But if the vast majority of users never bring it up and doctors do not ask, legalization alone will not bridge the gap between use and informed medical oversight.
Questions still open
- Will cannabis legalization increase patient-provider discussions over time? Should GPs routinely screen for cannabis use the way they screen for alcohol? What barriers prevent cannabis users from discussing use with their doctors?
Common questions
Do cannabis users talk to their doctors about it?
Who is most likely to discuss cannabis use with a doctor?
Read the original research
What proportion of people who use cannabis in Germany have spoken with their general practitioner about their consumption? A repeated cross-sectional representative population survey.
Journal of cannabis research, 7(1), 76
Citation
Borchardt, Benjamin; Klosterhalfen, Stephanie; Kotz, Daniel. (2025). What proportion of people who use cannabis in Germany have spoken with their general practitioner about their consumption? A repeated cross-sectional representative population survey.. Journal of cannabis research, 7(1), 76. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00329-0