30.6% of regular German cannabis users reported external stigmatization, and 22.1% experienced self-stigma, with medical users and those with cannabis use disorder particularly affected.
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30.6% experienced external stigma, 22.1% self-stigma
What the researchers found
Among 684 regular cannabis users in Germany (surveyed before legalization), 30.6% perceived external stigmatization and 22.1% reported self-stigma. Higher education, psychological distress, medical use, and cannabis use disorder were all significantly associated with both types of stigma.
Why it matters
Germany legalized recreational cannabis in 2024, making this pre-legalization stigma data a valuable baseline. Understanding who experiences cannabis stigma can help shape public health messaging and support services.
The numbers in context
684 regular cannabis users surveyed. External stigma: 30.6%. Self-stigma: 22.1%. Associated factors: higher education, psychological distress, medical use, cannabis use disorder, public disclosure, police encounters.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional online survey in 2023 using ISO-certified access panels. Quota-sampled 684 regular cannabis users (ages 18-64) to reflect German demographics.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional pre-legalization snapshot only. Online panel may not represent all users. Self-report measures. German context may not generalize.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: representative quota-sampled survey with validated measures, but cross-sectional and self-report.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, with survey data from 2023 (pre-legalization).
The bigger picture
Stigma around cannabis use can prevent people from seeking help when they need it. The finding that medical users and those with cannabis use disorder are particularly stigmatized is concerning, as these are the groups most likely to need healthcare engagement.
Questions still open
- Has legalization reduced cannabis stigma in Germany?
- Does stigma prevent people with cannabis use disorder from seeking treatment?
- Why do more educated users report higher stigma?
Common questions
Do cannabis users face stigma?
Does cannabis legalization reduce stigma?
Read the original research
"Those pot heads" - perceived external stigma and self-stigma among cannabis users in Germany: prevalence and associations with socio-demographics, cannabis use patterns and psychological distress.
Journal of cannabis research, 7(1), 66
Citation
Rosenkranz, Moritz; Schranz, Anna; Verthein, Uwe; Schomerus, Georg; Speerforck, Sven; Manthey, Jakob. (2025). "Those pot heads" - perceived external stigma and self-stigma among cannabis users in Germany: prevalence and associations with socio-demographics, cannabis use patterns and psychological distress.. Journal of cannabis research, 7(1), 66. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00328-1