Germany's 2024 national survey found 9.8% of adults aged 18-64 (5.1 million people) used cannabis in the past year, with 1% meeting criteria for cannabis dependence and 0.5% for cannabis abuse.
European drug policy researchers, German public health officials, international legalization analysts.
5.1 million Germans used cannabis in 2024, with 1% meeting dependence criteria
What the researchers found
12-month cannabis use prevalence was 9.8% (5.1 million Germans). Cannabis dependence was 1.0% and abuse was 0.5%. For comparison, alcohol had 30-day prevalence of 68.6% with 4.2% dependence; tobacco had 21.8% use with 8.3% dependence.
Why it matters
Germany partially legalized cannabis in 2024, making these baseline data crucial for monitoring trends. The relatively low dependence rate (1%) compared to tobacco (8.3%) and alcohol (4.2%) provides important context for policy discussions.
The numbers in context
n=7,534; 12-month cannabis prevalence 9.8% (5.1 million); cannabis dependence 1.0%; cannabis abuse 0.5%; alcohol 30-day prevalence 68.6%, dependence 4.2%; tobacco use 21.8%, dependence 8.3%.
How the study worked
Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse (ESA) 2024, a nationally representative survey of 7,534 German adults aged 18-64. Prevalence rates calculated for use, DSM-IV dependence, and abuse, extrapolated to the German population of 51.5 million.
What this study cannot tell us
Self-reported survey data may underestimate actual use. DSM-IV criteria (rather than DSM-5) were used for dependence. Cross-sectional design captures one timepoint. Response rates may introduce selection bias.
How to read the evidence
Strong: Large nationally representative survey (n=7,534) with standardized diagnostic criteria, providing baseline data for Germany's legalization.
When this study was published
Published in 2025 with 2024 survey data.
The bigger picture
Germany's 2024 legalization makes it the largest European country to liberalize cannabis. This baseline survey will be essential for tracking whether use and dependence rates change post-legalization, as has been studied in North American jurisdictions.
Questions still open
- How will these rates change in subsequent years post-legalization? Will Germany follow North American patterns of increased use? How do German rates compare to other European countries?
Common questions
How does cannabis dependence compare to other substances in Germany?
Did Germany legalize cannabis?
Read the original research
Psychoactive Substance Use in Germany: Findings From the Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse (ESA) in 2024.
Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 122(23), 625-631
Citation
Olderbak, Sally; Hollweck, Regina; Krowartz, Eva-Maria; Möckl, Justin; Hoch, Eva. (2025). Psychoactive Substance Use in Germany: Findings From the Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse (ESA) in 2024.. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 122(23), 625-631. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.m2025.0157