A byline by Deepak Anand
Recent comments from Simone Borchardt, a CDU member of the Bundestag and a candidate in the ongoing election campaign, suggest that the party might be open to reconsidering its stance on cannabis legalization. Responding on Abgeordnetenwatch, Borchardt indicated that any potential shift would be contingent on long-term scientific evidence and practical lessons from other countries—a notable departure from the CDU’s traditionally conservative position.
However, this cautious, wait-and-see approach overlooks a crucial point: the evidence already exists. Canada, as the only G7 country to have fully legalized cannabis for both medical and non-medical use, offers a wealth of data and real-world experience. From public health outcomes to market regulation, Canada’s pioneering role provides Germany with valuable insights to craft an informed, effective policy—without the need for prolonged hesitation. If the CDU is truly open to evolving on this issue, it need not look to the distant future for guidance. The lessons are already there, waiting to be applied.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s oft-quoted assertion that „the sky hasn’t fallen“ post-legalization in Canada rings true when examining the evidence. This statement, while simplistic, encapsulates a crucial point: the apocalyptic scenarios predicted by opponents of legalization have largely failed to materialize.
Recent studies support this view. A comprehensive evaluation of Canada’s legalization policy found that while cannabis use among young adults has increased slightly, there have been no marked increases or decreases in use among high school students. This suggests that fears of widespread youth consumption may be overblown.
Moreover, the policy has achieved some of its primary objectives. Cannabis-related arrests have decreased substantially, and adults now have access to a diverse range of regulated products. These outcomes align with the goals of reducing criminalization and undermining the black market.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that cannabis legalization is a process, not an event. Canada’s experience has revealed areas for improvement that Germany could learn from. For instance, issues around taxation and THC potency limits have emerged as challenges. Germany has the advantage of hindsight, allowing it to develop policies that address these shortcomings from the outset.
The CDU’s willingness to consider evidence is commendable, but waiting for long-term proof of zero negative consequences sets an unrealistic bar. No major policy shift comes without some trade-offs. Instead, the focus should be on whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks and how to mitigate potential harms effectively.
Furthermore, Canada’s experience highlights the importance of robust public education campaigns. A 2021 study found that cannabis legalization in Canada brought an apparent increase in use among adults over 25, but results for youth were mixed, with most studies showing no pronounced increase. This underscores the potential effectiveness of targeted education and regulation in protecting vulnerable populations.
As Germany contemplates its path forward, it should look to Canada not as a perfect model, but as a valuable case study. The CDU’s openness to reconsidering its position is a positive step, but it should be accompanied by a willingness to engage with the existing body of evidence.
Ultimately, the question for Germany is not whether legalization can be implemented without any negative consequences, but whether a well-regulated legal market can better address the health, social, and criminal justice issues associated with cannabis use than the current prohibition model.
As Canada’s experience demonstrates, while challenges persist, the sky has not fallen. Germany now has a unique opportunity to learn from both Canada’s successes and its missteps, using these insights to craft a more refined and effective cannabis policy. The CDU’s evolving stance could mark the beginning of a shift toward a more pragmatic, evidence-based approach to drug policy in Germany.
For policymakers looking to make informed decisions, key data points from Canada’s legalization experience are worth careful review. I list a few of them below:
[1] Canadian Cannabis Survey 2024: Summary https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/research-data/canadian-cannabis-survey-2024-summary.html
[2] Key findings: Cannabis use in Canada (2023) – Health Infobase https://health-infobase.canada.ca/cannabis/
[3] Cannabis consumption in Canada – Statistics Canada https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/6091-cannabis-consumption-canada
[4] Five years since legalization, what have we learned about cannabis https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231016/dq231016c-eng.htm
[5] A Public Health Perspective on Cannabis Legalization and … https://www.ccsa.ca/public-health-perspective-cannabis-legalization-and-regulation-canada
[6] Taking stock of progress: Cannabis legalization and regulation https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/engaging-cannabis-legalization-regulation-canada-taking-stock-progress/document.html
[7] Trudeau: Legalizing marijuana will better protect kids and community https://www.nbcnews.com/video/canadian-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-says-legalizing-marijuana-will-protect-kids-1260337219539
[8] Cannabis and Canada’s children and youth https://cps.ca/documents/position/cannabis-children-and-youth
[9] Evaluating the impact of Canadian cannabis legalization- PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39729707/
[10] Research unpacks impact of cannabis legalization on medical sales https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2024/10/research-unpacks-impact-of-cannabis-legalization-on-medical-sales/
[11] The implementation and public health impacts of cannabis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37380613/
[12] A Framework for the Legalization and Regulation of Cannabis in https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/laws-regulations/task-force-cannabis-legalization-regulation/framework-legalization-regulation-cannabis-in-canada.html
[13] The impact of recreational cannabis retailer allocation on emergency department visits: A natural experiment utilizing lottery design https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39842391/
Deepak Anand is the Principal of British Columbia-based ASDA Consultancy Services, a distinguished global strategic advisory firm with a global perspective and cannabis industry-specific insights. For over a decade, he has been involved in and played an important role in government consultations and setting up industry associations, along with working in the Canadian cannabis industry. He can be reached at d@deepakanand.com.
Disclaimer: Bylines by external contributors do not have to reflect the opinion of the editorial team. Source 13 has been added on February 9th 2025.