Berlin’s Cannabis Experiment: Two Years of Legalization and Police Response

Two years after the partial legalization of cannabis in Germany, a fresh study reveals the impact on law enforcement in Berlin. While concerns existed about increased bureaucracy and workload, the Berlin police report a surprising level of normalization in their daily work, despite more frequent interactions with issues related to the Cannabis Consumption Act (KCanG).

Normalization of Cannabis Consumption in Berlin

As of April 1, 2026, Germany will have experienced two years of partial cannabis legalization. A recent evaluation, based on a study by the University of Tübingen commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Health, examined the experiences of police officers across the country. The findings indicate that Berlin’s patrol officers are dealing with KCanG-related matters more often than their counterparts elsewhere in Germany, but they do not perceive this as an overwhelming burden.

According to the study, 62 percent of Berlin officers view the law as not a significant burden, compared to 55 percent nationally. Frank Teichert, deputy state chairman of the Berlin DPolG (police union), suggests this indicates a normalization of the situation and a sense of relief among officers who are no longer required to prosecute consumers.

Increased Interactions, Manageable Workload

Despite the increased frequency of dealing with cannabis-related issues, the initial fears of a dramatically increased workload have not materialized. Approximately 15 percent of Berlin police respondents report encountering KCanG-related matters almost daily, significantly higher than the national average of 8 percent. Still, officers are effectively managing the new regulations.

“The KCanG works in everyday practice not because it is particularly clear, but because our colleagues make it manageable with experience, judgment, and a great deal of personal responsibility,” says Teichert. He highlights that Berlin’s urban environment, high population density, and visible public consumption contribute to the increased interactions.

Focus on Trafficking and Administrative Offenses

In 2024, Berlin police registered 1,227 violations of the KCanG, with that number rising to 1,912 by October of the following year. Most violations relate to illicit trafficking (1,175 cases) and the illicit distribution and transfer of cannabis (550 offenses). Around 120 administrative offenses were also recorded, primarily concerning smoking marijuana near prohibited areas like playgrounds.

Limitations in Combating Organized Crime

The study reveals that the majority of Berlin police officers (82 percent) do not believe the KCanG is an effective tool for combating organized crime. Similarly, 69 percent do not see it as a solution to the black market. Teichert emphasizes that the law is designed to regulate consumption, not to dismantle criminal organizations. “The KCanG is not an instrument for combating organized crime. It is a law regulating consumption,” he stated.

Challenges in Practical Application

The study also points to challenges in the practical application of the KCanG, particularly in a large city like Berlin. 31.4 percent of Berlin police officers reported difficulty determining whether a violation was punishable, compared to a national average of 25 percent. This uncertainty stems from issues like the 100-meter exclusion zone around schools and playgrounds, which is challenging to enforce in a densely populated urban area.

officers have expressed a need for more measuring equipment, with 42.5 percent reporting missing tools – a figure above the national average. Teichert argues that a law based on measurable criteria should provide the necessary tools for enforcement, stating, “The rule of law does not thrive on improvisation, but from reliability.”

Current Legal Framework

As of April 1, 2024, adults aged 18 and over are permitted to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis in public and 50 grams in private residences. Individuals can also cultivate up to three cannabis plants for personal use and join licensed cultivation associations. However, activities exceeding these limits, as well as the trade and sale of cannabis, remain illegal.