Cannabis is now partially legal in Germany. As of April 1, 2024, adults aged 18 and over can legally possess small amounts and cultivate a limited number of plants for personal use. Germany is the first major EU country to pass nationwide recreational cannabis legislation, though the law stops short of full commercial sales.
The new framework also introduced non-profit cannabis clubs from July 2024, giving residents a legal option for access outside of home growing. However, buying cannabis from retail shops remains prohibited, and importing or exporting it is strictly illegal. Medical cannabis, already legal since 2017, continues to be available by prescription.
In short, cannabis in Germany is legal under certain conditions, but rules around possession, cultivation, and distribution are tightly regulated, especially for tourists and non-residents.
Top things to remember
- Adults 18+ can legally possess up to 25g in public and 50g at home.
- Cannabis clubs and home growing are legal for residents, but tourists cannot buy.
- Importing, exporting, or buying on the street remains strictly illegal.
Understanding Germany’s Cannabis Regulations
Cannabis in Germany is now legal under strict conditions. Since April 2024, adults aged 18 and older may carry up to 25 grams in public, keep 50 grams at home, and grow up to three plants for personal use. From July 2024, residents also gained the option to join non-profit cannabis clubs, which distribute limited amounts of cannabis to members every month. These reforms removed cannabis from the country’s Narcotic Drugs Act, though sales in regular shops remain prohibited.
Penalties still exist for breaking the rules. Carrying more than the allowed limits, sharing cannabis outside approved frameworks, or producing edibles can lead to fines or even prison sentences of up to three years. Consumption is prohibited in sensitive areas, such as schools, playgrounds, and certain pedestrian zones, during the day.
There is a clear difference between THC and CBD. THC-containing products fall under the new Cannabis Act and are regulated, while CBD products with negligible THC remain widely available and treated more like wellness goods.
Finally, laws differ for residents and visitors. Residents can join cultivation clubs and legally cultivate plants, but tourists are not permitted to do so. Visitors are subject to possession limits yet remain excluded from most legal supply routes, making cannabis tourism in Germany far more limited than in countries with retail sales.
Access to Medical Cannabis in Germany
Germany has had a legal medical cannabis framework since 2017, when doctors were first allowed to prescribe it to patients with serious illnesses who had no effective alternative treatment. These prescriptions are typically covered by health insurance, making Germany one of the more structured medical cannabis systems in Europe. Patients can access dried cannabis flowers or extracts that meet strict pharmaceutical quality standards.
To qualify as a patient, individuals must consult a licensed doctor who determines whether cannabis is an appropriate treatment option. Conditions often include chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, cancer-related symptoms, or other severe illnesses where conventional medicine has failed. Prescriptions are like other medicines and filled at pharmacies, with oversight from the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).
For tourists, access is extremely limited. Medical cannabis prescriptions are tied to Germany’s healthcare system and insurance framework, which excludes short-term visitors. Travellers cannot simply obtain medical cannabis during their stay, even if they hold prescriptions from abroad. In practice, medical marijuana in Germany is only available to residents who are part of the national healthcare system.
Where and How Can You Purchase Cannabis in Germany
Under the 2024 Cannabis Act, recreational cannabis is not sold in dispensaries or regular shops. Instead, access for residents is limited to two legal sources: private self-cultivation (up to three plants) and non-profit cannabis clubs, where members may receive up to 50 grams per month for personal use. These clubs are closely regulated, with limits on membership numbers, distribution amounts, and strict youth-protection measures. Cannabis must be handed out in its natural form: dried flowers or hashish, and cannot be mixed with alcohol or stimulants.
Tourists cannot legally buy cannabis in Germany. Membership in cannabis clubs is typically restricted to adults with at least six months of residence in the country, excluding short-term visitors. This makes legal purchase channels effectively closed to non-residents, leaving tourists without access to regulated cannabis products.
When it comes to prices, official figures are not yet available because cannabis is distributed on a non-commercial basis through clubs. Membership fees are expected to cover cultivation costs, resulting in prices lower than those on the black market; however, exact rates may vary between associations. Outside these legal frameworks, cannabis purchased illegally remains subject to criminal penalties, even if possession limits have been relaxed.
Rules on Consuming Cannabis in Germany
Cannabis use in Germany comes with strict location-based restrictions. Public consumption is banned in several places, including within 100–250 meters of schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, youth facilities, and sports grounds. Additionally, smoking is prohibited in pedestrian zones between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Violating these rules can result in fines, even if the amount you possess is within the legal limit. Consumption is also prohibited on the premises of cannabis social clubs, which are meant for distribution only.
In private spaces, such as your own home or a long-term rental, consumption is permitted as long as it doesn’t disturb others. However, for tourists, this can be more complicated. Hotels and Airbnbs set their own rules, and many treat cannabis like tobacco: allowed in smoking rooms but banned elsewhere. Always check house policies to avoid penalties or eviction.
Carrying cannabis is legal for adults as long as you respect the possession limits of 25 grams in public. It should be transported securely and never across international borders, as importing or exporting cannabis remains strictly illegal. On trains, buses, and planes within Germany, carrying cannabis is technically allowed if limits are respected, but consuming it in public transport is prohibited.
Bringing Cannabis Across German Borders
Travellers should be aware that importing or exporting cannabis is strictly illegal under German and European Union law. Even though personal possession is allowed within Germany, the moment cannabis crosses an international border, it falls under trafficking rules. This applies whether you are flying, driving, or taking a train into the country. Carrying seeds or cuttings without proper authorisation can also result in penalties.
If you are caught at customs with cannabis, you risk criminal charges. Depending on the quantity, penalties range from heavy fines to prison sentences. Authorities treat border offences much more severely than minor possession inside the country. Police may confiscate the substance, issue charges, and potentially ban you from re-entry if you are a foreign visitor.
Airport and border security are strict. Germany is part of the Schengen zone, which means fewer internal border checks, but airports maintain tight screening procedures. Customs officers are trained to detect cannabis and related products, including edibles and oils. Tourists should not attempt to bring weed into or out of Germany, as the risks far outweigh any benefit.
How Cannabis Laws Are Enforced in Germany
German police are generally seen as professional and strict, but not corrupt. Since April 2024, carrying up to 25 grams in public or 50 grams at home is legal, so officers no longer prosecute for these amounts. However, they still have the authority to check IDs, measure quantities, and fine or arrest individuals who exceed the limits or violate public consumption bans. Selling outside authorised channels remains treated as a serious offence.
The risk of arrest for adults carrying within the legal limit is low, though fines may still apply if you smoke in restricted zones such as near schools or busy pedestrian areas during the day. Possessing more than the limit can quickly escalate into administrative fines or criminal charges, especially if quantities suggest intent to distribute. Police also take cases involving minors very seriously, with stricter penalties for anyone supplying cannabis to young people.
As for scams, visitors should be cautious of street dealers, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Berlin or Hamburg. Illegal sales are common, but buying this way puts you at risk of receiving poor-quality or adulterated cannabis, and it remains fully illegal. Another risk is fake “cannabis clubs” or online offers aimed at tourists; legitimate clubs require German residency and do not recruit on the street. The safest option for travellers is to avoid buying cannabis altogether, since legal supply is restricted to residents only.
Social Views on Cannabis in Germany
Cannabis has become increasingly accepted in German society, especially among younger generations and in larger cities. Surveys suggest millions of Germans already used cannabis before legalisation, and the 2024 reforms have further normalised its presence. While some conservative groups remain opposed, the public debate is generally framed around health, regulation, and reducing black market influence rather than moral judgment.
In everyday life, occasional use is unlikely to draw much criticism, particularly in urban centres like Berlin, Hamburg, or Cologne, where social attitudes are more liberal. However, in smaller towns or conservative regions such as Bavaria, people may still view cannabis use more negatively. Discretion is usually advised, especially in mixed company or family settings.
Germany also has a visible cannabis community, with advocacy groups, patient organisations, and now legal cannabis social clubs playing a role in shaping the culture. Events like the annual Hanfparade in Berlin highlight the political and social activism around cannabis.
Local Tips for Cannabis-Friendly Travel in Germany
If you hear locals talking about cannabis, the most common slang terms include “Gras” (grass), “Weed” (borrowed from English), and “Hasch” (hash). Street slang may vary by city, but these words are widely understood. Keep in mind that while people may use these casually, buying cannabis from unlicensed sources is still illegal.
Germany also has a few cannabis-related events worth noting. The most prominent is the annual Hanfparade in Berlin, usually held in August, which brings together activists, patients, and enthusiasts to call for broader reforms. Other cities sometimes host smaller cultural or educational events, but large-scale “weed festivals” remain rare due to the legal framework.
As for 420-friendly accommodation, there is no established network like in Amsterdam. Most hotels prohibit smoking of any kind indoors, including cannabis. Some private rentals on platforms like Airbnb may allow it, but this depends entirely on the host’s rules.
Important Notes Before You Travel
Laws can change quickly; always check the latest local rules before planning cannabis-related activities in Germany. The current system is still relatively new and may be adjusted in response to political decisions, EU regulations, or the effectiveness of the social club model in practice.
For visitors, the safest approach is to travel smart, discreetly, and respectfully. Avoid public consumption in restricted areas, never attempt to cross borders with cannabis, and don’t rely on street dealers or unverified sources. Although possession is legal in small amounts, enforcement can vary by region, and penalties for violating the rules remain serious.
By respecting local regulations and social norms, you can enjoy your trip without unnecessary risks while adhering to German cannabis law.