Cannabis use remained stable among German adolescents but increased significantly among young adults aged 18-25 in the years before Germany's 2024 partial legalization.
Public health researchers, policy makers studying legalization impacts, and anyone following European cannabis policy developments.
Young women's use rose from 8.3% to 19.4% over 15 years
What the researchers found
Among young women aged 18-25, past-year cannabis use more than doubled from 8.3% in 2008 to 19.4% in 2023. Among young men in the same age group, it rose from 14.8% to 26.9%.
Why it matters
Germany partially legalized cannabis in April 2024. These baseline data from before legalization are essential for measuring what changes, if any, legalization produces.
The numbers in context
Young women 18-25: 8.3% (2008) to 19.4% (2023). Young men 18-25: 14.8% (2008) to 26.9% (2023). Adolescent rates remained relatively stable before legalization.
How the study worked
Analysis of representative survey data from Germany's Federal Institute of Public Health, tracking 12-month cannabis prevalence from 2008 to 2023 among 12-17 and 18-25 year olds.
What this study cannot tell us
Self-reported survey data may underestimate actual use. Data ends before legalization took effect, so no post-legalization comparisons are available yet.
How to read the evidence
Representative national survey data over 15 years provides strong trend evidence, though self-report and pre-legalization timing are limitations.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, data through 2023.
The bigger picture
Germany is the largest European country to partially legalize cannabis. How its youth usage trends compare to post-legalization data from Canada and US states will be closely watched.
Questions still open
- Will partial legalization accelerate the upward trend among young adults? Why did adolescent rates stay stable while young adult rates climbed?
Common questions
Did cannabis use increase among German teenagers before legalization?
Which group saw the biggest increase in cannabis use?
Read the original research
Cannabis use among adolescents and young adults in Germany: Study results and prevention measures offered by the Federal Institute of Public Health.
Journal of health monitoring, 10(3), e13458
Citation
Eckhardt, Stephanie; Nitzsche, Anika; Orth, Boris. (2025). Cannabis use among adolescents and young adults in Germany: Study results and prevention measures offered by the Federal Institute of Public Health.. Journal of health monitoring, 10(3), e13458. https://doi.org/10.25646/13458
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