Theme 01
Recreational cannabis
The global wave of legalisation continues unabated
Legalisation
From the black market to state-controlled sale
Uruguay and Canada have fully legalised cannabis for adults. In Europe, Malta, Luxembourg and, since 1 April 2024, Germany allow private possession and home cultivation; in Germany, non-commercial cultivation associations also supply their members.
In the USA, 24 states and Washington, D.C. allow adult use (as of September 2026). Legal sales there reached around 29 billion US dollars in 2025; in legalised states the illicit market is gradually being moved into controlled distribution.
Canadian retailers sold around 5.6 billion Canadian dollars of cannabis in 2025; dried flower makes up just under 60 percent, while extracts, edibles and beverages are gaining share. Sources: DISA, Whitney Economics, Statistics Canada.
Cannabis 2.0
The trend is towards Cannabis 2.0 — extracts, edibles and beverages
Germany
CanSoul supports the debate on cannabis regulation in Germany
Germany's Cannabis Act has applied since 1 April 2024: adults may possess up to 25 grams and grow three plants, and cultivation associations supply their members. More than 470 associations had been approved by September 2026. Commercial sale through licensed shops has not been implemented; the federal government is evaluating the law scientifically until 2028.
Transparency, education and prevention remain essential, as does state-controlled distribution to adults only. A 2018 study by Prof. Justus Haucap put the potential of regulated distribution at around 2.7 billion euros a year in taxes and savings. Sources: Federal Ministry of Health, EKOCAN evaluation, Süddeutsche Zeitung.