The Current Legal Framework
Since April 1, 2024, Germany's Cannabisgesetz (CanG) has allowed adults to:
- Possess up to 25 grams in public and 50 grams at home
- Cultivate up to three cannabis plants per household
- Join non-profit Cannabis Social Clubs (max 500 members)
Public consumption is prohibited near schools, playgrounds, and sports facilities, and in pedestrian zones between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
What's Missing: No Commercial Retail
Crucially, there is no nationwide commercial retail market in Germany. Selling cannabis remains illegal outside the Social Club framework. This distinguishes Germany's approach from the North American dispensary model.
Pillar 2: Regional Pilot Projects
Discussions are ongoing regarding the second pillar of Germany's cannabis policy: regional, scientifically supervised pilot projects for regulated commercial retail. Cities including Berlin, Hanover, and Frankfurt have expressed interest, but federal regulations and ethics reviews are still being finalized.
Political Headwinds
The current government, led by the CDU/CSU, has expressed a more critical stance toward cannabis legislation. While a full rollback is legally complex, political debate continues around stricter oversight of Social Clubs and potential adjustments to possession limits.
Medical Cannabis Remains Strong
Medical cannabis has been legal since 2017 and saw improved access in 2024 when it was removed from the Narcotics Act. Germany continues to be Europe's largest medical cannabis market, with ongoing discussions about advertising and online access to treatments.