Cannabis Germany FAQs
- On April 1, 2024, Germany legalized the recreational use of cannabis for adults aged 18 and above.
- Earlier in 2017, Germany legalized the medical use of cannabis, allowing doctors to prescribe it to seriously ill patients.
- Under the new law, possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis is legal for personal use.
- Adults are also allowed to cultivate up to 3 cannabis plants for personal use.
- Germany has established a Cannabis Agency to regulate the cultivation, processing, and distribution of medical cannabis.
- The legalization of recreational cannabis is expected to save Germany over 1 billion euros annually by no longer enforcing prohibition.
- In addition to personal cultivation, Germany will allow the establishment of non-commercial cannabis clubs where adults can legally obtain cannabis.
- The legalization is part of a “first phase” or “first pillar”, with plans for a “second phase” to launch regional adult-use cannabis commerce in the future.
- Possession of cannabis in “small amounts” (up to 6-15 grams, depending on the state) generally does not lead to criminal prosecution but can result in administrative fines.
- Cultivation, import, export, or distribution of cannabis is considered a criminal offense under the German Narcotics Act, resulting in severe criminal sanctions.
- Specific penalties for these offenses can include fines up to €25,000 or prison sentences of up to 2 years, depending on circumstances and quantities involved.
- Over the past decades, enforcement and prosecution for cannabis-related offenses have become more lenient, especially with a focus on personal consumption over commercial activities.
- With the legalization of recreational cannabis set for 2024, the German government plans to further refine the legal framework and penalties for cannabis, including introducing a “Cannabis Cultivation Act” to regulate the supply chain.
- Although possession of small amounts for personal use has been mainly decriminalized, serious violations of Germany’s cannabis laws can still incur significant criminal penalties, albeit with a more relaxed enforcement approach over time.