Addiction help experts are observing an increase in problematic cannabis use in Germany. As can be seen from the yearbook Addiction from the German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) in Hamm, there has been an overall increasing trend in the use of the drug over the past three decades. In addition, the proportion of people who have turned to outpatient addiction help because of problems with cannabis has almost tripled since the turn of the millennium. In the inpatient area, the experts even registered a tenfold increase.
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This means that after cannabis consumption, disorders are the second most common reason for seeking addiction help – after alcohol problems. Since 2013, outpatient addiction help centers in Germany have registered more than 25,000 such cannabis cases every year. In 2001 the total number was 3,700.
More funding required
Overall, the number of stoners has also increased significantly: According to the report, in 2021 one in ten 18 to 59 year olds said they had consumed cannabis in the past twelve months – in 2012 it was 5 percent. Men consumed slightly more often than women and were more likely to rate their consumption as problematic.
In the annual yearbook of the addiction help umbrella organization DHS, experts bring together figures and current studies on addiction and drug-related topics. In 2024 there will also be an article on the topic of cannabis, as the possession, private cultivation and consumption of certain amounts of cannabis has been permitted for adults in Germany since April 1st. In light of the change in the law, the DHS is calling for adequate funding for advisory and protective measures.
Addiction help experts are observing an increase in problematic cannabis use in Germany. As can be seen from the yearbook Addiction from the German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) in Hamm, there has been an overall increasing trend in the use of the drug over the past three decades. In addition, the proportion of people who have turned to outpatient addiction help because of problems with cannabis has almost tripled since the turn of the millennium. In the inpatient area, the experts even registered a tenfold increase.