European cannabis legalisation moves into the slow-dopey lane
Germany has got nervous
Cannabis is easily the most popular illicit drug in Europe. About 28% of adult Europeans have taken a toke during their lifetime; the French top the league of stoners, at almost 45%. Moreover, attitudes towards the drug’s use are changing rapidly. In Germany, for example, support for legalisation has moved from 30% in favour in 2014 to 61% last year.
This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “Up in smoke”
Europe May 13th 2023
From the May 13th 2023 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from Europe
Jean-Marie Le Pen revived extremist politics in France
The far-right provocateur has died, aged 96
Why Canada should join the EU
Europe needs space and resources, Canada needs people. Let’s deal
Elon Musk’s praise for the far right infuriates most of Germany
A controversial op-ed may have set the terms of the election campaign
Serbia and its neighbours are still far from joining the EU
Donald Trump could bring the region yet more upheaval
Finland seizes a tanker, getting tough on hybrid warfare
Russian-linked attacks on undersea infrastructure are rising
A Prague-Berlin train loses its old-world dining cars
The looming end of the Knödelexpress