Demonstrators advocate for the promotion of "hemp over hostility"
In the heart of Berlin, the annual Cannabis Parade took place on a sunny day, with participants marching towards the government district, calling for the full legalization of cannabis and the establishment of specialty stores.
The final rally of the event was scheduled for the evening at the starting point next to the Red City Hall, the office of Berlin's governing mayor, Kai Wegner (CDU). The parade, which has been held annually in Berlin's city center since 1997, saw several hundred participants this year.
The Cannabis Parade is more than just a demonstration; it's a platform for advocacy and education. Banners read "Hash instead of hate" and "Yes we smoke", while scene organisations presented their ideas for drug policy at information stands. The motto of the event was "For a Future Without Repression".
Some cannabis users took the opportunity to smoke a joint during the parade, a symbolic act of defiance against the current restrictions on cannabis consumption under the Narcotics Act. The participants protested against these restrictions, arguing that the consumption of cannabis is less risky than that of legal drugs like alcohol.
The German Hemp Association, a key organiser of the event, criticised the current law for not being suitable for all consumers and the continued existence of the black market for cannabis. Their demand is simple: cannabis should be available for adults to purchase at reasonable prices in specialty stores.
The current regulations, in effect since early April 2024, were criticised as insufficient by the participants. As Germany moves towards full legalization, there is clear public demand for specialty stores and more robust, accessible legal supply channels. However, criticisms focus on regulatory delays, restrictive medical cannabis rules, and gradual reform implementation, all of which affect user experience and market development.
The rollout for fully licensed sales is still facing delays, with pilot launches postponed but expected soon. Autumn 2025 may be pivotal as authorities plan to release an interim evaluation report on the Consumer Cannabis Act assessing impacts such as consumption patterns, public health, youth prevention, and criminal activity.
The Cannabis Parade in Berlin is more than just a protest; it's a call to action for a more open, accessible, and regulated cannabis market. As Germany navigates the complexities of legalization, the voices of the participants in the Cannabis Parade echo a demand for change: "Free the hemp!"
[1] German Cannabis Association
[2] German Health Ministry
[3] German Traffic Safety Council
[4] Berlin Senate Department for Health, Social Affairs and Youth
[5] German Federal Ministry of Health
- Amidst the call for legalization, the German Health Ministry could consider exploring potential health benefits and safety measures associated with science-backed supplements and nutrition, as part of a holistic health-and-wellness approach in the proposed legal cannabis market.
- Showcasing a harmonious blend of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and responsible cannabis consumption, specialty stores could eventually emerge, providing an opportunity for healthcare products, wellness services, and even programmes promoting sustainable, ethical fashion to coexist.
- In order to further reinforce the credibility and public trust in the legal cannabis industry, commercial collaborations between the German Traffic Safety Council and Berlin Senate Department for Health, Social Affairs and Youth may be considered to establish educational and awareness campaigns on the responsible use of cannabis and its impact on road safety.
