One year after the partial legalization of cannabis in Germany, the feared domino effect has failed to appear. No rise in cocaine use, no meth scare, no ecstasy wave. For the first time, we have solid data from Stuttgart – black on white. And it’s not based on surveys, but on wastewater analysis.
Wastewater Speaks the Truth
Since legalization, the city of Stuttgart has been regularly analyzing its wastewater for cannabis breakdown products and other substances. The sober result: cannabis consumption has risen by 13%. That was expected. But the consumption pattern has remained stable – no weekend spikes, no “new excesses,” as some had predicted. Most importantly: no increase in the use of other drugs like cocaine, amphetamine, or ecstasy.
Addiction specialist Dr. Maurice Cabanis confirms: no rise in cannabis-related hospitalizations or mental health disorders. Even the police report no significant uptick in public use.
CSU Wants More Data – But Lauterbach Was Already Ahead
While Stuttgart is already measuring transparently, the CSU recently called for nationwide wastewater monitoring. Parliamentary group leader Klaus Holetschek warned that Germany could become the “stoner nation of Europe.” But the Ministry of Health is already two steps ahead: a large-scale study, led by the Technical University of Dresden, is underway. It analyzes wastewater in 25 major cities for both cannabis and other substances.
And yes – the method is considered highly reliable. According to study leader Björn Helm, it reflects actual consumption better than surveys. But it also clearly shows: there is no indication of a “slippery slope” into harder drugs.
Legalization Brings Clarity, Not Chaos
What has changed is how openly people talk. Counseling centers like “Release” report increased demand but also improved quality of conversations. Young people are asking more questions, and teachers are using prevention tools like the “Green Suitcase.” Decriminalization is creating space for education, not for decline.
Bottom Line: The Numbers Don’t Lie – Time for the CDU to Listen
Cannabis is partially legal, consumption is up slightly – but society hasn’t unraveled. Stuttgart delivers data, not opinions. And even the Federal Health Minister is acting based on evidence, not ideology. When even the wastewater says “No drug crisis from legalization”, it might be time for even the CDU to listen.
