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Bavaria fights youth cannabis use with stricter laws and a new app

A new smartphone app and campus outreach aim to shield teens from cannabis risks. Will Bavaria’s bold plan reverse the federal legalisation trend?

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Bayern to Reverse Cannabis Legalization - Bavaria fights youth cannabis use with stricter laws and a new app

Bavaria is stepping up efforts to counter cannabis use among young people. The state’s health minister, Judith Gerlach, has criticised the federal government’s decision to legalise recreational cannabis. She argues that the move weakens protections for youth and public health.

To address the issue, Bavaria is expanding education programmes, including a new smartphone app and outreach at universities.

Gerlach, a member of the CSU, has called for the cannabis legalisation policy to be reversed by 2026. She claims the current law fails to safeguard young people from health risks linked to the drug. The state plans to enforce existing regulations more strictly to limit access and exposure.

As part of the Mindzone project, Bavaria will extend cannabis education into vocational schools and universities. By 2026, the initiative will also increase its presence at university parties, directly engaging students in discussions about risks. Additionally, a new app is being developed to teach young people about drug dangers through interactive, game-based lessons.

The measures aim to strengthen addiction prevention and ensure better youth protection across the region.

Bavaria’s approach combines stricter law enforcement with expanded education. The Mindzone project and upcoming app will target schools, universities, and social events. These steps are designed to reduce cannabis use among young people before the planned policy review in 2026.

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