As Germany heads towards its national elections on 23rd February, cannabis legalisation has emerged as one of the most divisive and closely watched issues on the political stage. Party manifestoes are out, and the debate over the future of cannabis law reveals stark divisions among the country’s leading political forces.
The ruling coalition’s centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), trailing in third place in the polls, is doubling down on its commitment to legalise cannabis in compliance with EU law. It sees regulation as a pragmatic step forward, promising economic benefits, safer consumption and a crackdown on illegal markets. The Greens, another centre-left coalition partner and long-time champion of cannabis reform, is unwavering in its support for the existing Cannabis Act as part of its broader vision of progressive social change.
The Cannabis Act, in effect since April 2024, aims to reduce the illicit market and better protect young people. It allows adults (18+) to possess up to 25 g of cannabis and grow three plants for personal use. Non-commercial clubs can collectively grow cannabis for members, who may receive up to 50 g monthly. Consumption is restricted near schools, playgrounds and certain public areas.
But not everyone’s on board. The opposition-leading alliance of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) – currently leading in the polls – has vowed to repeal the Cannabis Act altogether. The CDU/CSU argues that legalisation risks public health, particularly for young people, and warns of unintended consequences for the healthcare system. Its hard-line stance reflects conservative priorities, emphasising caution over reform.
Possible political alliances
The CDU/CSU’s path to power, however, is unlikely to be straightforward. With no single party expected to win a majority, coalition-building will be essential. Since the CDU/CSU has ruled out collaborating with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) – which is staunchly opposed to cannabis legalisation and currently ranked second in the polls – the alliance faces limited options. To secure a majority, it would likely need to partner with at least one pro-legalisation party, creating a potential clash between its traditional stance and the views of its coalition allies.
One possibility is a CDU/CSU partnership with the Free Democratic Party (FDP), which strongly supports cannabis legalisation. Despite its centre-right roots, the FDP frames legalisation as an issue of personal liberty and economic opportunity, arguing that regulation curbs the illicit market while respecting individual freedoms. This alliance could force the CDU/CSU to soften its opposition or face political gridlock.
Another potential coalition could involve the CDU/CSU partnering with the SPD. While the two parties have a history of governing together in so-called grand coalitions, their opposing views on cannabis could complicate negotiations. The SPD’s commitment to legalisation would likely demand compromises from the CDU/CSU, setting the stage for intense policy debates.
Meanwhile, a left-leaning coalition of the SPD, Greens and potentially the Left Party could also emerge as a possibility, though this scenario is less likely given current polling trends. Such a coalition would undoubtedly champion the Cannabis Act and may push for even broader reforms.
The AfD’s isolation in coalition discussions reflects its extreme stance on cannabis and other issues. No major party has expressed willingness to collaborate with the far-right party, leaving it without a clear path to power despite its strong polling position.
An important ballot issue
These coalition scenarios highlight how cannabis legalisation has become a central electoral battleground, reshaping traditional political alliances and priorities. The debate is not just about whether to legalise cannabis but how future coalitions will navigate this contentious issue.
If legalisation proceeds, it could spur innovation in cannabis-based medicines and industrial hemp production, generating thousands of jobs across cultivation, logistics, retail and research. However, challenges remain, including navigating complex EU regulations, addressing public health concerns, and establishing an effective regulatory system. Carefully implemented, cannabis legalisation has the potential to position Germany as a leader in the global cannabis market.
As the election looms, German voters face critical choices that will shape the country’s drug laws and broader social policies. The likely need for coalition governance ensures that cannabis legalisation will remain a key issue in post-election negotiations, with profound implications for Germany’s future direction.
– Antoni Di Lorenzo CannIntelligence staff
Photo: David Cohen