German Drug Enforcement Official Slams Cannabis Law: 'Cannot Function'

Ingo Hörmann, head of the drug enforcement unit in Hannover, Germany, has voiced strong criticism of the country's partial cannabis legalization law, enacted in April 2024. Hörmann described the law as potentially the "worst law" he has ever encountered, stating that while he is not fundamentally opposed to legalization, its current implementation "cannot function" as intended. The law permits individuals to grow up to three cannabis plants in private residences and possess up to 50 grams at home, with 25 grams allowed in public. It also allows for non-commercial cultivation associations with up to 500 members. Hörmann reported a decrease in drug-related offenses, with fewer investigation proceedings. However, he emphasized that this has not reduced the workload for law enforcement; in fact, proving illegal drug dealing has become significantly more challenging. He explained that previously, checks on consumers often led to the identification of larger dealers. Now, dealers face fewer legal consequences, with some individuals caught dealing multiple times within the year being released back onto the streets the next day as if nothing had happened. Hörmann believes the law makes it substantially more difficult to hold dealers accountable.

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A prosecutor once told me it was the worst law he had ever seen.