The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the strongest political party in Germany, has announced its intention to overturn the partial legalization of cannabis, a decision made by the previous government. This move was supported by delegates at the CDU's national congress in Stuttgart, chaired by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The CDU's stance reflects a significant policy shift amidst changing attitudes toward cannabis in Germany, even as the debate continues about the implications of legalization on public health and safety.

The new cannabis law, which allows adults over 18 years old to cultivate up to three cannabis plants and possess a limited amount, is set to take effect on April 1, 2024. It also permits the establishment of non-commercial cannabis clubs for recreational use, with regulations varying across different federal states. The CDU's attempt to reverse this legislation raises questions about the feasibility of such a change, especially considering that the legalization was part of a coalition agreement that includes the Social Democratic Party (SPD), a current partner in the government.

Recent studies, including one released last September, indicated that there have been no significant impacts on the reduction of the black market for cannabis a year and a half following its partial legalization. This data is likely to factor into the CDU's argument against legalization, as they seek to address public concerns regarding drug use and the effectiveness of the government's policies. The ongoing political discourse surrounding this issue is reflective of broader societal debates about drug policy reform in Germany.