Germany's cannabis law: what adults may do
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Germany legalised adult cannabis use on 1 April 2024. Adults may possess and consume cannabis for personal use, grow a few plants at home, and since July 2024 join a licensed non-profit cultivation association. Selling cannabis outside those rules is still a crime. This guide covers cannabis under the Cannabis Act (Konsumcannabisgesetz, KCanG), not CBD products, which follow different rules.
Germany at a glance
Cannabis for adults is legal under the KCanG, with limits on amounts, places and sources.
- GermanyLegalAdults 18+: personal possession, home grow and cultivation associations. Commercial retail stays prohibited.
What adults may do at home
The KCanG allows adults aged 18 and over to possess cannabis for personal use. The law sets a limit of 25 grams of dried cannabis in public and up to 50 grams at home, and it allows up to three living cannabis plants per adult at the home. Plants and stock must be kept away from anyone under 18. Source: KCanG §3, gesetze-im-internet.de.
If two adults live in the same household, each may keep their own allowance. Sharing or giving cannabis to another person is not covered by these rules.
Cultivation associations
Since 1 July 2024, non-profit cannabis cultivation associations (Anbauvereinigungen) may grow cannabis together and supply it to their members. A club may have up to 500 members, and a person may belong to only one association. Each association needs a permit from the competent state authority, must keep the cannabis secure from unauthorised people, and must submit a health and youth protection concept. Source: Hamburg city authority, KCanG cultivation associations.
No national register exists, because each state issues permits. The number of approved clubs therefore differs by source and date. One cannabis news site reported 474 approvals in September 2026, up from 293 in July 2025.
474
For how one association works in practice, read our report on a Bavarian association planning to grow in Thuringia.
Checklist before you act
These steps follow the KCanG rules described above. They are a summary, not legal advice.
- Confirm that you are 18 or older.
- Keep possession within the public and home limits.
- Keep any home plants and stock away from anyone under 18.
- Never sell, give or pass cannabis on to someone else outside a licensed association.
- If you want a shared supply, look for a licensed cultivation association and join only one.
- Respect local rules: consumption is restricted in view of minors and near schools, playgrounds and youth facilities.
Timeline
The main steps in German cannabis law since the KCanG came into force:
- Cannabis Act (KCanG) in force: adult possession and home grow allowed
- Cannabis cultivation associations can apply for permits
- Government bill to tighten medical cannabis rules (MedCanG) enters the Bundestag
- The medical cannabis bill is still pending in the Bundestag health committee
The medical cannabis bill concerns prescriptions and mail-order supply. It does not change the adult rules under the KCanG. Source: juravendis overview of the MedCanG amendment.
What stays illegal
Selling cannabis outside a licensed cultivation association remains a criminal offence, and the law does not allow commercial adult shops. Giving cannabis to other people, even friends, is not covered by the rules for personal use. Consumption is also restricted in some places, including in view of minors and near schools, playgrounds and youth facilities.
This article describes the German legal framework as of October 2026. Rules can change, so check the current text of the law before you rely on it.
