Cannabis Use Largely Stable Following Partial Legalization; Cocaine Use Has Been on the Rise for Several Years

Abstract

Two years after the partial legalization of cannabis, this Weekly Report examines current developments in the German cannabis and other illicit drug markets. The analysis is based on police crime statistics, survey data, wastewater data, and price information. The number of recorded cannabis and drug offenses declined noticeably in 2024, primarily reflecting a statistical effect. Regarding cannabis use, survey and wastewater data show no systematic changes in the short-term. Cannabis prices also remain largely stable. Various indicators point to dynamic increases for other illicit substances, particularly cocaine and methamphetamine, with regional differences. The timing of changes in violent crime or acquisitive crime cannot be directly linked to the reform. Overall, the available data suggest that, in the short term, the partial legalization primarily had legal effects, while developments in other illicit drug markets follow independent trends. Prevention and monitoring of these markets remain key policy challenges.