Berlin, 2025-10-02: Eighteen months after the Cannabis Act took effect, EKOCAN has released its first scientific interim report—the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) offers a positive assessment in its statement:

Protection of Children and Youth Strengthened
First-time cannabis use among adolescents has continued to decline for the first time since 2002, as has overall cannabis use among adolescents since 2019. The BvCW views this as confirmation of the effectiveness of enhanced education and prevention programs.

Health Protection Remains Stable
The data show no significant increase in cannabis use among the general population. Users now have access to safe products, which enhances health protection. In addition, low-threshold services such as drug testing further contribute to harm reduction.

Improved access to medical cannabis
Patients now have easier access to medical cannabis, thereby reducing risks associated with the black market.

Crime Burden Significantly Reduced
Cannabis-related offenses have been cut in half—saving over 100,000 cases annually, thereby freeing up police and judicial resources to combat organized crime.

Road Safety Remains a Priority
Reliable data on the impact on traffic accidents will not be available until July 2025. This data points to a stable road safety situation. Accompanying prevention campaigns also promote responsible driving.

Outlook
The BvCW welcomes the ongoing scientific monitoring and calls for the continuation of data collection until its conclusion in April 2028. Like the researchers, the association sees a need for action to reduce bureaucracy in cultivation associations. To this end, the Federal Working Group of Cannabis Cultivation Associations (BCAv) has drafted a 19-point position paper. In addition, the association advocates for scientifically monitored pilot projects on regulated cannabis distribution, as well as for the abolition of the so-called “intoxication clause” for industrial hemp and for a clear legal definition of the term “cuttings.”

Dirk Heitepriem, president of the BvCW, makes this clear: “Intensive scientific monitoring offers a historic opportunity to measure the effects of decriminalization. The findings so far are preliminary—the evaluation, set to continue through April 2028, is essential.”

Michael Greif, Executive Director of the BvCW, adds: “The data show the first positive effects of partial legalization. They confirm that education, prevention, and safe sources of supply are key factors in reducing risks and curbing the black market. Next, we need to reduce the bureaucracy surrounding cultivation associations and launch scientific pilot projects for regulated distribution.”