Yes, marijuana is legal in Berlin for adults over 18, but with specific limits. As of April 1, 2024, personal use and cultivation are permitted under Germany’s national law. Medical cannabis has been legal since 2017 with a prescription.
Top things to remember
- Legal for adults 18+: You can possess up to 25g in public, 50g at home, and grow three plants per person.
- No retail sales yet: Cannabis clubs are the only legal way to obtain weed, and only for long-term residents.
- Public use is restricted: Smoking is banned near schools, playgrounds, and in pedestrian zones during the day.
Cannabis Laws in Berlin: What You Need to Know
Cannabis is legal in Berlin for recreational use under strict conditions. Adults aged 18 and over can legally possess up to 25 grams in public and 50 grams at home. Additionally, they are permitted to grow up to three plants per person for personal use. However, sharing, selling, or gifting cannabis, even for free, is still prohibited.
Public smoking is also limited. It’s not allowed near minors, in pedestrian areas between 7:00 and 20:00, or within sight of places like schools, playgrounds, sports fields, and cannabis clubs. Breaking these rules can result in fines or legal penalties.
CBD is legal and widely available, as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. Laws apply equally to residents and tourists, but only residents who have lived in Germany for at least six months can join a cannabis club to obtain cannabis legally. Currently, most clubs are still awaiting approval, and access remains limited.
Medical Cannabis Laws in Berlin
Medical cannabis has been legal in Berlin and throughout Germany since March 2017. Patients with severe health conditions and no alternative treatments can obtain cannabis-based medicines through a doctor’s prescription. These prescriptions are often covered by health insurance, provided the treatment is deemed medically necessary. Dronabinol, a synthetic form of THC, has been available by prescription since 1998.
While all licensed physicians in Berlin are allowed to prescribe medical cannabis, very few actually do, making access somewhat limited. However, the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2024 has slightly eased the process. Patients can now also consult with telemedicine services like TeleCan, CannGo, or DrAnsay, where they can receive a prescription after an online video consultation. The cost typically starts at around €50 for a first visit and about €20 for renewals.
Tourists cannot access medical cannabis in Berlin. Medical marijuana is only available to residents with a valid prescription issued by a German doctor and filled at a German pharmacy.
How to Legally Buy Cannabis in Berlin
At the moment, no legal dispensaries or retail stores are selling recreational cannabis in Berlin. Sales through commercial outlets are not allowed under Germany’s current laws. Instead, adults must either grow cannabis themselves (up to 3 plants per person) or join a registered cannabis club to obtain it legally.
However, access to these clubs is limited. To join, you must be a resident in Germany for at least six months, which means tourists cannot legally buy cannabis during their visit. Most clubs are still waiting for approval and have long waiting lists, so buying weed legally in Berlin remains complicated for now.
Because there are no retail sales yet, price data is not officially available. In cannabis clubs, future pricing is likely to reflect the nonprofit model, covering only cultivation and administrative costs. However, until more clubs are operational, there’s no reliable cost estimate. The black market remains active, but buying from it is illegal and carries legal risks.
Where You Can (and Can’t) Consume Cannabis in Berlin
In Berlin, public cannabis consumption is regulated to balance personal freedom with public safety. You cannot smoke in areas where minors are present, including schools, playgrounds, sports facilities, and pedestrian zones between 7:00 and 20:00 daily. Smoking is also banned within 100 meters of building entrances to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke. However, it is allowed in outdoor areas where children aren’t nearby.
In private spaces such as homes, hotel rooms, or Airbnbs, smoking cannabis is generally permitted, unless the property’s owner or accommodation rules explicitly prohibit it. It’s wise to confirm the smoking policy at your lodging before using cannabis indoors, as some hosts or venues may forbid it.
Regarding transportation, you’re allowed to carry up to 25 grams in public and 50 grams at home, but avoid visible consumption in restricted zones. If stopped by authorities, having under-limit amounts for personal use usually results in little or no penalty; however, possessing excess quantities or consuming in prohibited areas may lead to fines or confiscation.
Traveling to Berlin with Cannabis: What to Know
Bringing cannabis into or out of Germany, including Berlin, is not permitted. It remains illegal to import or export, even in small amounts. If caught, customs agents will confiscate your cannabis, and you may face fines ranging from €100 to €1,000, with potential criminal charges or travel bans depending on the amount and circumstances.
At airport security in Berlin (BER) and other German airports, cannabis in luggage or on your person is taken seriously. Scan alerts or drug-sniffing dogs can lead to investigations, questioning, and fines. Penalties increase for larger quantities or repeat offenses.
Even if you legally obtain cannabis in Berlin, you cannot carry it across borders. Airport and border checkpoints enforce Germany’s strict ban on international cannabis transport, so plan to use it before travel or leave it behind.
Law Enforcement and Cannabis Risks in Berlin
Police in Berlin are generally professional and rule-based, not corrupt. They enforce cannabis laws seriously, especially in public spaces. Officers may carry out spot checks in known consumption areas or when cannabis use is clearly visible, particularly if it occurs near minors or in restricted zones. While Berlin is considered one of Germany’s more tolerant cities, that doesn’t mean enforcement is lax.
If you’re within the legal limits (up to 25g on you) and not smoking in a banned area, you’re unlikely to face legal consequences. But using cannabis near schools, playgrounds, or public pedestrian zones can lead to fines or confiscation. Possession over the legal limit may result in a formal investigation and potentially a court case.
There aren’t widespread scams specific to cannabis in Berlin, but buying from street dealers is illegal and risky. Products are often of low quality or counterfeit, and undercover officers may be present. Stick to legal self-cultivation or cannabis clubs if you’re a resident. Tourists should avoid street purchases entirely.
Social Perception of Cannabis Use in Berlin
Cannabis use is generally socially accepted in Berlin, particularly among younger adults and in more liberal neighborhoods such as Kreuzberg, Neukölln, and Friedrichshain. The city has long had a reputation for being open-minded, and attitudes toward marijuana tend to reflect that. Public consumption, while regulated, isn’t usually met with shock or judgment, as long as it’s done respectfully and within legal limits.
That said, not everyone is supportive. Older generations and more conservative areas may still view cannabis negatively, particularly when it’s consumed in public. But in most social settings, especially among locals under 40, using weed is seen as normal or even unremarkable.
Berlin also has an active cannabis community, with advocacy groups, public events, and growing interest in cannabis clubs. While these clubs are still rolling out, they’re expected to become central to the city’s cannabis culture once fully operational.
Local Cannabis Tips for Visiting Berlin
While cannabis is now legal under German law, it’s still best to speak discreetly when talking about it in public. Common local slang includes terms like “Gras,” “Weed,” “Haze,” or simply “Cannabis.” Older slang, such as “Hasch” (for hash), is still used but is less common among younger people. English terms are widely understood in Berlin, especially among younger crowds.
Berlin has a lively alternative scene, and some events or clubs are known to be more cannabis-friendly. However, there are currently no official weed festivals. Parks like Görlitzer Park or Volkspark Friedrichshain have long been informal gathering spots for cannabis users, but smoking in public still comes with legal restrictions.
When it comes to lodging, 420-friendly accommodation is not openly advertised due to regulations. However, some Airbnb hosts may allow smoking on balconies or in outdoor areas; always ask before booking. Avoid smoking indoors without explicit permission, even in private rentals.
Final Notes and Caution for Cannabis Users in Berlin
Cannabis laws in Berlin are evolving, and while personal use is now legal under strict conditions, the situation is still new and subject to change. Always check the most recent local regulations before traveling or consuming cannabis to avoid legal issues.
Even in a tolerant city like Berlin, it’s best to be discreet and respectful, especially in public spaces or unfamiliar neighborhoods. Don’t assume all accommodations or locals will be supportive of cannabis use, and never transport cannabis across borders.
Laws can change quickly: stay informed, follow the rules, and use common sense when enjoying cannabis in Berlin.