A Pragmatic Approach to Legal Cannabis and Youth in Germany: Prevalence, Risk, and Harm Prevention

In April 2024, Germany legalized cannabis for recreational use. Due to the country's obligation to comply with international treaties, the German government agreed on limited noncommercial cultivation and approved scientific pilot trials for commercial distribution. In addition to curbing the illegal cannabis market, German politicians cite the protection of youth from contaminated, highly potent, or synthetic products as the main argument for partial legalization. Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds, who make up a significant proportion of people using cannabis in Germany, are excluded from legal access. Many who nevertheless choose to consume cannabis will continue to turn to the illegal market. This essay addresses the gap in current youth-focused cannabis prevention that arises from the general exclusion of minors from regulated access to cannabis and the simultaneous lack of prevention models tailored to the new political landscape and the realities of young people. It examines international research results on the neuropsychological risks of cannabis use and the effectiveness of drug prevention for adolescents and discusses the principles of risk-competent substance use. On this basis, a pragmatic approach to harm prevention is proposed that is oriented toward German youth alcohol policy: Under strictly regulated dispensing conditions, 16- and 17-year-olds can obtain limited quantities of quality-tested, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-reduced cannabis products. Before acquisition, a qualified person who is trusted by young people conducts an open, unbiased dialogue with the youth about individual consumption risks, encourages nonconsumption, and informs about the principles of risk-competent substance use. In this way, prevention can specifically target cannabis-using adolescents who are generally difficult to reach. As part of a global paradigm shift in cannabis policy, this harm prevention approach could be considered for international implementation as well as in relation to juvenile alcohol use.