Cannabis policy modernization, such as adult-use legalization, provides many benefits to society. A lot of media coverage and political discourse focus on the economic benefits of such policy modernization, and understandably so. Cannabis policy reform that allows commerce creates jobs, generates public revenue, and yields economic boosts to local economies.

However, the most fundamental benefit comes in the form of no longer subjecting cannabis consumers and patients to the harms of failed prohibition policies. When someone is arrested and prosecuted for a cannabis-only offense, it can have a lasting, negative impact on their lives.

In addition to being arrested, fined, and/or incarcerated, having a criminal record can result in a person being turned down for housing, employment, student assistance, and other financial assistance. The ‘cannabis scarlet letter’ is a very real thing for many people.

German lawmakers implemented the first provisions of the historic CanG measure in April 2024, granting the right to German adults to cultivate, possess, and consume a personal amount of cannabis. As lawmakers and public policy observers continue to evaluate the law, one undeniable benefit is a reduction in cannabis offenses.

“The most significant effect was seen in law enforcement: the number of cannabis-related offenses fell from almost 174,000 cases in 2023 to just under 62,000 in 2024.” wrote the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) in its recent newsletter (translated from German to English). The statistic was in reference to a recently published assessment from the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW).

Additional findings from the assessment include:

• The overall cannabis consumption rate in Germany is 9.8%
• The proportion of people with ‘high consumption’ has risen marginally, from 1.5% (2021) to 1.6% (2024)
• Unregulated cannabis prices are holding steady at around €10 per gram for cannabis flowers

One major benefit of reduced cannabis offenses in Germany is an economic-based one, albeit indirect. Cannabis prohibition enforcement takes up a lot of resources that are funded by public revenue. Every would-be criminal cannabis offense that no longer occurs results in public revenue and resources being saved, and frees up law enforcement and the nation’s criminal justice system to focus on fighting real crime. That benefits all of German society, and not just cannabis consumers.