Germany’s Cannabis Laws: What’s Legal and What’s Changing

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Is Weed Legal in Germany?

Germany has officially begun to legalise cannabis, marking a major shift in European drug policy. As of 1 April 2024, certain aspects of cannabis use are now legal for adults, while others remain restricted or prohibited. This makes Germany one of the few countries in Europe to take formal steps toward a regulated cannabis system—though it’s not a free-for-all.

If you're in Germany or planning a visit, here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s currently legal, what’s still banned, and how the laws differ across contexts.

Recreational Cannabis: Now Partially Legal

As of April 2024, Germany has introduced a two-phase cannabis legalisation process.

What’s Legal Now (Phase 1):

  • Adults 18 and over can possess:

    • Up to 25 grams of cannabis on their person in public

    • Up to 50 grams at home

  • Home cultivation is allowed:

    • Up to three cannabis plants per adult

  • Use is permitted in private spaces and designated areas

  • Possession and use are prohibited:

    • In or near schools, kindergartens, and sports grounds

    • In public spaces between 7am and 8pm

Cannabis remains prohibited for minors, and supplying cannabis to anyone under 18 is a criminal offence.

Coming Soon: Cannabis Clubs (Phase 2)

From 1 July 2024, Germany will introduce non-profit cannabis social clubs. These clubs will:

  • Be allowed to grow cannabis collectively

  • Distribute cannabis only to registered adult members

  • Be capped at 500 members per club

  • Allow each member to receive up to 25 grams per day, and 50 grams per month

  • Prohibit on-site consumption and profit-making

These clubs will operate under strict regional controls, and all members must be German residents. This means tourists will not be able to access cannabis legally through clubs.

Medical Cannabis in Germany

Germany has had a legal medical cannabis programme since 2017.

  • Patients can be prescribed cannabis by a licensed doctor for conditions like:

    • Chronic pain

    • Multiple sclerosis

    • Chemotherapy-related nausea

    • Epilepsy

    • Anxiety or PTSD (in some cases)

  • Medical cannabis is available as dried flower, oils, capsules, and extracts

  • It is dispensed through pharmacies, and covered by public health insurance under certain conditions

Unlike recreational cannabis, medical cannabis can be accessed by non-German nationals residing in the country with valid healthcare coverage and prescriptions.

CBD and Industrial Hemp

Germany follows EU standards regarding hemp and CBD:

  • CBD products are legal, provided they contain less than 0.2% THC

  • CBD oils, skincare products, and supplements are widely available in pharmacies and health shops

  • Marketing CBD as a medical treatment without regulatory approval is not allowed

Germany also has a regulated hemp cultivation sector, and interest is growing in expanding both the CBD market and sustainable industrial hemp production.

Penalties and Restrictions Still in Place

While legalisation is progressing, certain cannabis-related activities remain illegal:

1. Possession over legal limits:

  • Possessing more than 25g in public or 50g at home can lead to fines or prosecution

2. Unlicensed sale or trafficking:

  • Still a criminal offence

  • Carrying significant penalties including prison sentences

3. Driving under the influence:

  • Cannabis impairment while driving remains strictly prohibited

  • Random roadside drug tests are used

  • Penalties include fines, driving bans, and licence suspension

Can Tourists Use Cannabis in Germany?

This is where it gets tricky.

  • Yes, adults (18+) can possess and use cannabis within the legal limits while visiting Germany

  • However, tourists cannot join cannabis clubs or legally purchase cannabis through those channels

  • Bringing cannabis into Germany—even if legally purchased abroad—is illegal

  • Public consumption is allowed only in certain areas and times, so discretion is advised

Future Outlook

Germany’s phased approach is seen as a model for cautious legalisation in Europe. The government has signalled that it may evaluate outcomes over the next few years before deciding whether to expand the commercial cannabis market.

If successful, this system could pave the way for:

  • Licensed retail outlets

  • Full adult-use regulation

  • Further EU-level discussions on harmonised cannabis policy

In Summary:

  • Weed is now partially legal in Germany for adults 18+

  • You can possess up to 25g, and grow up to three plants at home

  • From July 2024, registered clubs will distribute cannabis to members

  • Medical cannabis is fully legal and available by prescription

  • Selling or trafficking cannabis remains illegal

  • Tourists can possess and use cannabis within limits, but can’t access clubs

Germany’s cannabis law marks a turning point—but it’s a tightly controlled system. If you're in Germany, stick to the rules, and don’t assume full legalisation means full freedom.