In Germany, the number of individuals seeking treatment for cannabis-related mental health issues reached approximately 250,500 in 2024, marking a 14.5% increase from the previous year and the highest level in a decade.

This rise in cannabis-related diagnoses is linked to the partial legalization of cannabis in April 2024, which allows adults to possess up to 50 grams at home and has made medical cannabis more accessible with just a doctor's prescription.

The increase in treatment cases includes issues such as acute intoxication, dependency, harmful use, withdrawal symptoms, and psychosis, with cannabis now being the second most common reason for addiction treatment after alcohol.

Young adults aged 25 to 29 are particularly affected, experiencing the highest rates of cases, while the 45 to 49 age group saw the most significant increase, nearly 25% from 2023 to 2024.

The data, based on anonymized ICD-10 diagnosis F12 from Kaufmännische Krankenkasse (KKH), underscores the growing health impact of cannabis consumption.

The effects of Germany's cannabis legislation enacted by the Ampel government will be evaluated this fall, amid opposition calls for its repeal.

The partial legalization has eased access to medical cannabis, which no longer falls under the Narcotics Act, requiring only a simple prescription.

Niedersachsen's Health Minister Andreas Philippi has called for tighter restrictions on cannabis availability through prescriptions.

Cannabis-related disorders have become the second most common reason for addiction treatment in Germany, with outpatient cases tripling and inpatient cases increasing sevenfold since 2000.

A survey by Forsa, commissioned by KKH, found that 39% of respondents believe legalization has encouraged excessive use, and 49% see cannabis as a gateway drug.

KKH emphasizes the importance of early education about cannabis risks, especially for parents, to mitigate health issues.

The rise in cannabis-related cases is part of a broader trend, with concerns about increased consumption and its adverse effects, including dependency and psychosis.