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Cannabis is currently a much discussed topic. Why the green plant is so hotly discussed has many different reasons.
Legalisation
Many countries and regions are currently discussing the legalization of cannabis for medical and /or recreational purposes. In Germany, the medical use of cannabis was already legalized in 2017. In the next step, the current government wants to legalize and decriminalize cannabis for recreational use. In April 2023, the German Federal Ministry of Health published key points for the regulation of the cannabis market, which would provide for regulated dispensing to adults and ensure the protection of minors.
Medical use
More and more studies are showing the medical benefits of cannabis, particularly in relation to pain relief, nausea and vomiting, spasticity in multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. The number of patients using medical cannabis in Germany is steadily increasing. The most common medical indications for prescribing medical cannabis in Germany are chronic pain, spasticity, multiple sclerosis, and nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatments.
Recreational use
In countries where cannabis has already been legalized, recreational use of cannabis has led to debate about its impact on society, particularly in terms of health, crime, and the economy. In Canada, for example, legalization is accompanied by annual studies by the government. For example, it showed that since legalization in 2018, the age of first use has increased from 18.9 to, in 2022, 20.5.
Public opinion
Public opinion regarding cannabis has changed in recent years. More and more people support the legalization of cannabis and medical use. A 2022 survey shows that more than 60% percent of Germans support the legalization of cannabis for adults. Medical use of cannabis is also supported by a large majority of the population.
Historical use in medicine
Cannabis has a long history as a medicinal plant and was used as a medicine in ancient China, India and Egypt. In Europe, cannabis was used as a painkiller and sedative until the 19th century.
