German ministers slam cannabis reform

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German conservative ministers on Wednesday slammed the previous government's legalisation of cannabis two years ago after a report showed the law has led to stronger varieties of the drug and less help to deter young people.

Health Minister Nina Warken said the law was a "mistake", while Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said it had "completely backfired" and "creates nothing but danger".

Cannabis was partially legalised in Germany on April 1, 2024 under the centre-left government of former chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Under the legislation, adults can obtain up to 25 grammes (0.8 ounce) of the drug per day for personal use through regulated cannabis cultivation associations, as well as to have up to three plants at home.

However, cannabis remains banned for under-18s and around schools, kindergartens and playgrounds.

The conservative CDU-CSU alliance, now leading a governing coalition with the centre-left SPD, was always strongly opposed to the move.

A report published Wednesday by experts at three German universities showed no evidence of a significant increase in cannabis consumption and said there were indications the black market was starting to shrink.

However, the experts also noted a decline in youth prevention and support services and warned that much of the cannabis that is legally available has very high concentrations of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in the drug.

"Early interventions designed to deter children and young people from using cannabis are in sharp decline," Warken said.

"Anyone who turns a blind eye to this is putting the health of our youngest at risk."

A key part of the 2024 law was the creation of so-called "cannabis clubs" to sell the drug legally.

However, although around 300 clubs have been authorised, few have actually begun growing and supplying cannabis due to bureaucratic hurdles, according to the report.