Germany's cannabis legalization triggers surge in mental health crises among youth

Two years after Germany partially legalised cannabis, psychiatric hospitals in the Rhine-Ruhr region are seeing a sharp rise in related cases. A new study, led by psychiatry professors Udo Bonnet and Georg Juckel, highlights growing concerns about the drug's impact on mental health. The findings will soon appear in the German Medical Journal. The study reveals a 37% jump in cannabis-related disorders over the past year, with cases climbing from 763 to 1,047. Dr. Bodo Lieb, chief physician at LVR Clinic Langenfeld, reports a 40% increase in cannabis-induced psychoses. He links the surge to easier access since legalisation.

Young adults under 25 face the greatest risks, as their brains are still developing. Lieb warns of long-term neurobiological harm and lost opportunities for those who use the drug heavily. Sebastian Brebeck of the *Wubatz* Cannabis Cultivation Association in Wuppertal remains cautious. While he acknowledges benefits like reducing black-market activity, he argues it is too soon to judge the full effects of legalisation. He also notes that cannabis use has always existed and will likely continue regardless of laws.

The study underscores a clear trend: more people are seeking treatment for cannabis-related issues since legalisation. Hospitals are preparing for further increases, while experts stress the need for targeted support, especially for younger users. The findings will now inform wider discussions on drug policy and public health.