Berlin, August 6, 2025 – More than a quarter of a century ago, on August 23, 1997, the first Hemp Parade began in Berlin. Since then, there has been a Hemp Parade every year in Berlin, with the history of the Hemp Parade marked by various ups and downs.
On Saturday, August 9, 2025, the Hemp Parade will begin again in Berlin, not only to celebrate this more than twenty-five-year-old tradition, but above all, as every year, to demonstrate for the complete legalization of cannabis as a raw material, medicine, and recreational drug. After twenty years of commitment, one of the Hemp Parade’s first demands has been met: cannabis as medicine has been legally permitted and regulated. And after more than a quarter of a century, partial decriminalization has been achieved, and the possession of small amounts for recreational use, as well as the cultivation of three plants, has been legalized. Demonstrating for freedom is worthwhile: for a future without repression.
Focus on Cannabis and Youth Protection
One of the main arguments of conservative critics for maintaining the cannabis ban was that legalization could send the “wrong message” to children and young people, who would then consume more cannabis due to the associated “trivialization.” However, these fears are clearly more than unfounded, as the current edition of a scientific survey by the Frankfurt Drug Department on student consumption behavior shows (Frankfurt.de: Teenagers consume less and less cannabis). The prevalence of cannabis consumption in 2024 was at an all-time low since the study began in 2002. The SCHULBUS study in Hamburg reached the same conclusion. Young people are consuming fewer and fewer substance-related drugs, but an increase in media consumption has been observed. The prevalence of young people’s use of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis products is declining again overall. This has not only led to a reduction in the number of current users. 95 percent of the young people surveyed say they have never tried an illegal drug covered by the Narcotics Act (https://www.hamburg.de/politik-und-verwaltung/behoerden/bsfb/veroeffentlichungen/pressemeldungen/schulbus-studie-1083056).
Even the social debate surrounding the introduction of the Narcotics Act and the decriminalization of personal cannabis use for adults has apparently not changed the downward trend that had already begun. In light of the evaluation of the Narcotics Act, including with regard to youth protection, these scientific findings are good news for all cannabis enthusiasts.
Focus on Telemedicine
Since April 1, 2024, medical cannabis is no longer subject to the Narcotics Act (BtmG). This has significantly simplified access to treatment with medical cannabis for patients and physicians alike. For many indications, they can now consider medical cannabis as a treatment option, as the extremely high documentation requirements, medical-legal hurdles, and logistical challenges have been significantly reduced. The processing and provision of medical cannabis to patients has also been simplified in specialized German pharmacies, ensuring a comprehensive, reliable supply of this form of therapy. Most importantly, patients can now undergo the entire cannabis therapy process completely digitally. This has contributed significantly to the increased acceptance of this form of treatment among the population. Above all, patients can now easily obtain certified cannabis with a clear indication of the THC and CBD content and do not have to fear that the cannabis they purchase is contaminated with synthetic cannabinoids, as is sometimes the case with off-the-shelf products. In fact, it must be said that no one has pulled more people off the black market than the large telemedicine providers, which corresponds to a central goal and purpose of the Cannabis Act.
The program
Saturday, August 9, 2025, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM: The opening event begins at 12:00 PM at Alexanderplatz in Berlin – Spandauer Straße, near the Neptune Fountain. This event lasts until 3:00 PM, after which the demonstration procession begins through the city center. The Hemp Parade moves along Unter den Linden, through the government district, past the main train station to the Ministry of Health and the headquarters of the Federal Government’s Drug Commissioner. Then it returns to Spandauer Straße. As soon as the procession returns to the demonstration area on Spandauer Straße, around 6:00 PM, the stage program for the closing rally begins. The Hemp Parade ends at 10:00 PM.
Route –> https://www.hanfparade.de/programm-route/route/
Stage program –> https://www.hanfparade.de/programm-route/buehne-der-hanfparade/
Hemp Parade magazine –> https://www.hanfparade.de/2025/06