Is Weed Legal in Germany? Not for Tourists and Newcomers!
Contrary to some misleading headlines, tourists (and newcomers) cannot legally consume cannabis in Germany. The European Consumer Centre Germany (ECC) emphasises that the 2024 cannabis reform does not permit cannabis use for non-residents.
Despite the new regulations allowing certain liberties for residents, these do not extend to tourists, new work immigrants, or first-semester students.
Key Points of Germany’s 2024 Cannabis Reform
As of April 1, 2024, legal residents of Germany aged 18 or older can grow up to three cannabis plants per adult in their household.
From July 1, they can also join registered cannabis social clubs where they can receive cannabis.
Residents may carry up to 25 grams of cannabis in public and possess up to 50 grams at home.
Why Tourists cannot Smoke Weed Legally in Germany
The law applies only to individuals who have been officially residing in Germany for at least six months. This restriction excludes tourists (and newcomers in general) from legally buying or owning cannabis in Germany.
Any attempt to purchase cannabis from dealers remains illegal and could result in fines or imprisonment. Visitors and newcomers should adhere to these regulations to avoid legal trouble.
Cannabis Consumption Remains Limited Even for Residents
Even for residents who have lived in Germany for at least six months, cannabis consumption remains regulated. The 2024 cannabis reform law partially decriminalises cannabis consumption, but it includes rules designed to minimise exposure to non-consumers and protect children.
This is what Germany’s new cannabis law stipulates for legal residents:
- Age Requirement: Residents must be at least 18 years old to legally consume cannabis.
- Personal Cultivation: Residents can grow up to three cannabis plants per adult in their household. These plants must be cultivated in a secure location that is not accessible to minors.
- Cannabis Social Clubs: Starting from July 1, 2024, residents can join registered cannabis social clubs. These clubs are non-profit organisations where members can collectively grow cannabis and share it among themselves.
- Possession Limits: Residents are allowed to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis in public. Possession of amounts exceeding this limit can lead to legal consequences.
- Prohibited Areas for Consumption:
- Near Schools and Childcare Facilities: Consumption is prohibited within a 100-meter (109 yards or 328 feet) radius of schools, day-care centres, playgrounds, and other facilities frequented by minors.
- Pedestrian Zones: Cannabis consumption in pedestrian zones is not allowed during daytime hours (from 7 AM to 8 PM).
- Driving Restrictions: Driving under the influence of cannabis is and will stay prohibited. However, law-makers are currently adapting the Road Traffic Act to the new cannabis rules. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport has proposed changes to the Road Traffic Act, among others a THC blood limit of 3.5 ng/ml. The revised Road Traffic Act, not yet in effect, would also ban cannabis for novice drivers and prohibit combining cannabis with alcohol. Until these amendments take effect, the current strict regulations and court rulings apply, along with the criminal provisions of §§ 315c and 316 of the Criminal Code (StGB).
Registration Requirement to Become a Legal Resident in Germany
To be considered a legal resident in Germany, one must not only live in the country but also officially register with the local authorities. This registration, known as "Anmeldung," is mandatory and must be completed within two weeks of moving into a new residence. Failure to register can lead to fines and other legal issues. For more information, visit the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
Cannabis Laws in Germany: A FAQ for Tourists
The following FAQs on the German cannabis law 2024 are based on official information from the Federal Government of Germany (source: Federal Ministry of Health) as well as our research. This information reflects the status as of 27 July 2024.
No, tourists cannot legally buy weed in Germany. The new liberal regulations only apply to legal residents who have lived in Germany for at least six months. Tourists are not eligible to purchase cannabis from any legal source.
No, it is illegal for tourists to import cannabis to Germany. Bringing cannabis into Germany can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Tourists caught with cannabis can face fines or imprisonment. The severity of the penalty depends on the amount of cannabis and the specific circumstances of the case, but any possession or use by non-residents is prohibited.
No, cannabis social clubs are only open to legal residents who have lived in Germany for at least six months. Tourists are not eligible to join these clubs or participate in their activities.
Public consumption of cannabis is restricted even for residents. For example, it is prohibited within 100 meters (109 yards or 328 feet) of schools, day-care centres, playgrounds, and other facilities frequented by minors, as well as in pedestrian zones during daytime hours (7 am – 8 pm).
No, only legal residents who have lived in Germany for at least six months are allowed to grow cannabis, and even then, they are limited to three plants per adult in their household. Tourists cannot legally cultivate cannabis plants.
Tourists should refuse any offers to buy weed from dealers. Purchasing weed from dealers is illegal and can result in fines or imprisonment. It is important to understand that any involvement with illegal drug trade is a serious offense in Germany.
No. Cannabis grown privately for personal use is intended for personal consumption and may not be given to third parties, such as tourists.
Tourists are not permitted to purchase or possess cannabis seeds. According to the German law, legal residents may import cannabis seeds for personal cultivation. However, export of cannabis seeds is prohibited in all but one EU country. According to our research, only Austria permits the export of cannabis seeds for personal use. Next to that, up to seven cannabis seeds or five cuttings per month can be provided to adult non-member legal residents by Cannabis Social Clubs for private growing purposes. Mixed distribution of seeds and cuttings is limited to a total of five items.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
About us
The “European Consumer Centre Germany” (ECC) provides free advice and support for consumers with cross-border issues within the EU. Its legal team directly addresses disputes with companies and strives for out-of-court solutions. In 2023, the ECC Germany handled nearly 13,000 inquiries. It is part of the European Consumer Centres Network in the EU, Norway, and Iceland. The Centre is funded by the European Commission and the German Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection. The ECC is operated by the Franco-German Association, “Centre for European Consumer Protection e.V.”, based in Kehl.