Cannabis in Germany

Map of cannabis laws in Europe
Legality of cannabis in Europe
  Legal for medical and recreational use
  Legal for medical use only
  Illegal
Hanflabyrinth in Berlin, 2009

Cannabis in Germany has been legal for recreational usage by adults (aged 18 and over[1]) in a limited capacity since 1 April 2024, making it the ninth country in the world to legalise the drug. As of February 2024, it has been assessed that 4.5 million Germans use cannabis.[2]

Since 1 April 2024, it has been legal for adults in Germany to possess 25 grams (78 oz) or less of cannabis in public, up to 50 grams (1¾ oz) of dried cannabis in private and have up to three flowering cannabis plants at home.[3] Adult only non-profit cannabis social clubs were legalised in Germany on 1 July 2024. However, legal licensed sales (i.e. sales of cannabis in stores or online and cannabis businesses) will not be permitted, a decision that has received criticism.[4] For foreigners and tourists, it is not possible to legally purchase cannabis. Membership in the clubs is heavily regulated, and residency in the region is a prerequisite. The biggest issue regarding legalisation has been EU law, which has led to the initiative being divided into several stages. The next step includes plans for commercial sales.[5]

  1. ^ "German parliament votes to legalise recreational cannabis". France 24. 23 February 2024. Archived from the original on 23 February 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  2. ^ Booth, Rich (26 February 2024). "Germany passes law to legalise cannabis – the ninth country to do so". The Independent. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  3. ^ Thurau, Jens (23 February 2024). "Cannabis will be legal in Germany — within limits". Deutsche Welle. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  4. ^ Zhang, Mona; Wilke, Peter (23 February 2024). "German lawmakers pass cannabis legalization bill". Politico EU. Archived from the original on 23 February 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  5. ^ "Expert guide to a legal Roadmap to Cannabis". Retrieved 11 April 2024.