Steffen Geyer

Solidary, Democratic, Left-Wing

A Berliner by choice, a social democrat, and for over 25 years an active figure in the German civil rights movement advocating for the legalization of cannabis and other psychoactive substances.

Online, I'm also known as UsualRedAnt – the “ordinary red ant.”

Portrait of Steffen Geyer, May 2024
Portrait of Steffen Geyer, May 2024

Short Bio

I was born in 1979 in Suhl, Thuringia. My experiences during the years of German reunification significantly shaped me and my perspective on the relationship between the state and its citizens. The Thuringian Forest awakened my love for nature.

In 1998, I came to Berlin to study law. With its incredible diversity of people and coexisting lifestyles, Germany's largest city quickly captivated me, and today, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

Professional Activism

I work at the intersection of politics, the public, and civil society. I organize protests, write speeches, speak on stage, engage in debates, and explain complex laws in simple terms. I also network with people.
I also support journalists and scientists with their research, arrange interviews, or serve as a subject myself.

In the media, at political expert discussions, and in parliamentary hearings, I advocate for a fact-based, liberal drug and addiction policy. My focus is on: decriminalization, regulation, and education.

Steffen Geyer on TV at 'Sandra Maischberger', May 2007
Steffen Geyer on TV at 'Sandra Maischberger', May 2007

Democracy Requires Participation

I believe that democratic participation doesn't end at the doors of parliament. That's why I am involved with and advocating for citizen initiatives, associations, federations, parties, as well as educational and cultural institutions.

Among other things, I have been the rally leader of the Hanfparade since 2003; I managed the Hanf Museum Berlin until March 2025, and as Chairman of the CSCD, I represent the German Cannabis Social Clubs.

Steffen Geyer in conversation with a police officer, Fuckparade 2004
Steffen Geyer in conversation with a police officer, Fuckparade 2004

Morality as a Compass

My activism, particularly on social media, always aims to strengthen the minimal moral consensus within the legalization community. Above all, this means raising awareness that universal human rights and the humanist values form the basis of our arguments. All legalizers must be measured by this standard—in word, image, writing, and deed. I advocate for this, promote it, and fight for it.

In doing so, I have earned a reputation as an argument-driven activist and spokesperson for the community, even being invited as an expert by the Health Committee of German Bundestag for questioning during the decriminalization debate.

Postcard campaign -We are Germany, too- 2010
-We are Germany, too-, Postcard campaign 2010

An Intoxicating Book

In 2008, the book "Rauschzeichen – Cannabis: Alles was man wissen muss" (Intoxicating Signs – Cannabis: Everything You Need to Know) was published by KiWi Verlag.

The non-fiction book, which I co-authored with Georg Wurth (German Hemp Association), explains what happens in the body when cannabis is consumed. It highlights the significance of cannabis in our culture and sheds light on the societal opportunities and risks of its legalization.

'Rauschzeichen' is "recommended reading for all relatives of cannabis consumers" by the Federal Institute for Public Health (formerly the BZgA).

Rauschzeichen – Cannabis: Everything you need to know (book cover)
Rauschzeichen – Cannabis: Alles was man wissen muss, book 2008

Lifelong Learning

Grassroots political work that succeeds in marginalized or under-resourced settings -in short, "legalization"- requires versatility and a willingness to learn continuously.

Over the decades, as a communications and cultural manager, I have developed a variety of skills that I successfully apply in other contexts — including political strategy, press work, editing, project development, and event management. This has benefited, among others, "Megaspree versenken" (Sink the Megaspree), "Freiheit statt Angst" (Freedom Instead of Fear), and the adriAkustik singer-songwriter festival.

You can find information about my professional experience and competencies in my resume.

Steffen Geyer at the adriAkustik singer-songwriter festival 2024
Steffen Geyer at the adriAkustik singer-songwriter festival, 2024

Painting with Light

Beyond politics, I have been engaged with photography for many years. I specialize in concert and portrait photography. I also enjoy documenting all kinds of events with expressive images.

Götz Widmann, Portrait 2023
Götz Widmann, Portrait 2023

Poems, Feelings & Scribbles

In 2020, I discovered poetry as a new form of expression. I have dedicated the website, "Geyerlei Gereimtes," to my poems and prose texts.

Geyerlei Gereimtes - Poems, Feelings & Scribbles, website 2025
Geyerlei Gereimtes - Poems, Feelings & Scribbles, website 2025