Since April 1, 2024, Germany has partially legalized cannabis. It is the 3rd country in the European Union to authorize the recreational use of cannabis, after Malta and Luxembourg. However, the legislation remains tightly controlled. We explain the broad outlines of this reform and its implications.
Why this reform?
The law on the controlled use of cannabis (Cannabisgesetz- CanG) aims to combat illegal trafficking and guarantee the quality of the products consumed.
According to Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, it should also help to lift the taboo surrounding cannabis, so as to reinforce the effectiveness of prevention campaigns aimed at young people.
Outline of the law
The CanG authorizes adults over the age of 18 who have been resident in Germany for at least 6 months to :
- Possessing 25 g of dry cannabis in public places
- Grow up to 3 plants at home for personal use
- Be in possession of 50 g of substance outside public places.
Creation of "cannabis clubs
As the drug trade is prohibited in the EU, German lawmakers have used the Spanish model to introduce "cannabis clubs". These non-profit associations enable their members to grow and distribute cannabis within a strictly regulated framework, outside any commercial circuit.
Membership of a club entitles you to a limited quantity: up to 25g per day and 50g per month per member. Each club is capped at 500 members, making it currently the only legal way to supply recreational cannabis in Germany. On-site consumption, however, is prohibited.
Strictly supervised use: limits imposed by law
The German reform is accompanied by numerous restrictions designed to control cannabis use and limit the risks, particularly for young people. All forms of advertising and sponsorship for cannabis are banned, and information campaigns have been launched to raise awareness. Young people under 18 are not allowed to consume cannabis.
A number of rules also govern consumption:
- Consumption banned within 100 meters of school buildings, playgrounds and sports facilities.
- Cannabis consumption banned in pedestrian zones between 7am and 8pm.
- Prohibition on sharing or selling one's private harvest to others.
- Germans between the ages of 18 and 21 may not consume more than 30 g per month, and the content of THC content must not exceed 10%.
- Foreigners are not allowed to possess, cultivate or consume cannabis in Germany.
A reform that divides German society
While some welcome the reform, others question its legitimacy, notably among opposition parties and medical circles. Some doctors believe it could normalize the use of potentially addictive substances and harm public health, particularly among young people. The parliamentary group's spokesman for health issues, Tino Sorge (CDU, center-right), for his part, announced that his party would cancel the law " after a change of government".
In response to this criticism, Germany's Health Minister has announced the launch of a major campaign to raise awareness of health risks among young people, and the reinforcement of prevention programs. An in-depth evaluation of the law is also scheduled for autumn 2025, in order to adjust the regulations in line with concrete results, public health data and feedback from those working in the field.
Influence of reform within the EU
Unlike medical cannabis, which is authorized in 21 of the 27 member states, the possession of recreational cannabis remains largely prohibited within the EU. However, the partial legalization of cannabis use in Germany could revive discussions on the possible harmonization of cannabis policies within the EU.
The German Health Minister expressed his wish to see Germany play an active role in Brussels to promote a more flexible and coordinated approach. He stressed that the current policy of prohibition has not achieved its objectives, particularly in terms of reducing the black market and protecting young people.
In the meantime, you can discover cannabinoid-based products that comply with European regulations on our website.