Nearly a year after Germany's partial legalization of cannabis took effect, the Christian Social Union (CSU) is intensifying pressure on both the Union and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) to reverse the legislation established by the coalition government led by the SPD.

Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann articulated this stance, declaring, 'We want to correct the error of the Ampel coalition and ban cannabis again.' Herrmann noted a consensus among the country’s interior ministers across political parties on this issue as coalition negotiations continue.

Herrmann critiqued the notion that the partial legalization would diminish criminal activity associated with drugs, referring to this belief as 'totally misleading.' He highlighted that, contrary to expectations, the move has not mitigated the operations of drug dealers in Germany.

In addition to concerns regarding crime, Herrmann raised issues relating to road safety.

While he acknowledged a statistical decline in drug offenses due to legal reforms, he pointed out an increase in drug-related traffic offenses, expressing worries about the associated risks to public safety.

Bavarian Health Minister Judith Gerlach echoed the call for a policy reversal.

In a statement, she emphasized the urgency for the next federal government to fully retract the legalization of cannabis for recreational use, urging the SPD to facilitate a shift towards a stricter anti-drug agenda.

Gerlach argued that the current coalition's approach to cannabis has been detrimental to public health, particularly for children and adolescents, labeling cannabis as a 'dangerous drug.'

Warnings have surfaced from law enforcement and judicial authorities regarding the potential for legalization to bolster the black market and organized crime.

Despite the decision awaiting the future government, Bavarian officials remain committed to stringent regulations regarding cannabis cultivation, planning to maintain restrictive measures in the licensing process for cultivation associations.

To date, Bayern has not issued any permits for legal cannabis cultivation, making it the only German state without licensed cultivation activities outside of private residences.

The coalition government had enacted the law allowing for the partial legalization of cannabis, which took effect on April 1, 2024. Under this legislation, personal possession and regulated cultivation for private use are permitted, albeit with numerous restrictions.

Consumption in public areas is limited, notably prohibited in the presence of minors and near educational and recreational facilities.

The Union had signaled intentions early in the legislative process to pursue the reversal of this law.