Berlin. The partial legalization of cannabis in Germany has not eased the burden on police, according to Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) President Holger Münch.
Germany's cannabis legalisation fails to ease police workload as black market thrives
Speaking to the dts news agency on Monday, Münch noted that the reform had created "a great deal of additional work in practice." Previously, many cases had been handled with minimal effort, but now officers must deal with extensive checks—such as using precision scales to measure seized cannabis. Colleagues from state police forces have reported no reduction in workload in this area.
Münch added that any potential relief has been offset by rising challenges elsewhere. "In fact, we need to do more to combat drug-related crime," he said. Organized crime continues to profit heavily from the trade, "and cannabis is no exception."
Meanwhile, Andy Grote (SPD), chair of the Interior Ministers' Conference (IMK), emphasized that while personal use offenses have been decriminalized, trafficking remains illegal. "Legal cultivation cannot meet the demand for cannabis," he said, meaning the black market remains "very active." He acknowledged debate over whether it has grown, but stressed: "It certainly hasn't shrunk, and that keeps us very busy."
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) reaffirmed his opposition to cannabis legalization, calling the law "harmful to youth and conducive to crime." In an interview with dts on Monday, he dismissed claims of reduced police workload: "Reports from criminal investigation agencies and customs show a sharp and multiplying increase in seizures and detections. The only conclusion is that the problem in Germany is growing, not diminishing."
Dobrindt argued that the legislation had failed to deliver on its promises but stopped short of proposing immediate repeal, citing the absence of such provisions in the coalition agreement. "I will continue to make my position clear and will accompany the ongoing research project with my statements," the CSU politician said.
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