Cannabis in Germany 2026: What's allowed – and what remains forbidden?

Since April 1, 2024, new rules for handling cannabis apply in Germany. Adults are permitted to possess cannabis within legally defined limits and to cultivate it privately. Since July 1, 2024, communal, non-commercial cultivation in officially approved cultivation associations is also possible.

Nevertheless, cannabis is not fully legalized in Germany. Free sale in shops or regular online stores remains prohibited. Clear limits continue to apply to possession, consumption, personal cultivation, Cannabis Social Clubs, and road traffic.

Status of this article: July 10, 2026

Key points at a glance

Adults are generally allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis outside their residence. At their own residence or usual place of abode, up to 50 grams of dried cannabis are permitted.

Additionally, adults may cultivate up to three live cannabis plants for personal use. Plants, seeds, and harvested cannabis must be protected from access by children, adolescents, and unauthorized persons.

Important: Permitted possession does not mean that cannabis can be freely sold, given away, or consumed anywhere.

Why is it only a partial legalization?

The statement "cannabis is legal" is too imprecise. Only certain forms of possession, private home cultivation, and communal cultivation by cultivation associations have been permitted.

Among other things, the following remain prohibited:

• The free commercial sale of consumer cannabis,
• The sale or transfer by private individuals,
• Dispensing to minors,
• The regular online trade of consumer cannabis,
• The import of cannabis from abroad,
• Possession above the legal limits.

Germany has therefore neither introduced a free cannabis market nor a coffeeshop model.

Where can cannabis legally come from?

For non-medical personal cannabis consumption, there are essentially two permitted avenues.

Private home cultivation

Adults may cultivate up to three live cannabis plants simultaneously at their residence or usual place of abode.

Self-cultivated cannabis is intended exclusively for personal consumption. It may neither be sold nor given away to friends, acquaintances, or other persons.

Cannabis Social Clubs and Cultivation Associations

The frequently used term "Cannabis Social Club" legally refers to a cultivation association. This is neither a regular shop nor a freely accessible point of sale.

Cultivation associations may cultivate cannabis communally and non-commercially for their members. For this, they require official permission and must comply with extensive requirements regarding youth protection, prevention, documentation, security, and quality assurance.

Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis is subject to different legal regulations. It is dispensed by pharmacies upon medical prescription and is not to be equated with cannabis for private personal use.

What rules apply to Cannabis Social Clubs?

Cultivation associations may have a maximum of 500 members. Members must be at least 18 years old and have their residence or usual place of abode in Germany.

Members aged 21 and over may be given a maximum of 25 grams per day and a total of no more than 50 grams per month.

Members between 18 and under 21 years of age may receive a maximum of 30 grams per month. For this age group, the THC content may not exceed ten percent.

Consumption within the premises of a cultivation association is not permitted. Furthermore, a general advertising and sponsorship ban applies to cannabis and cultivation associations.

A Cannabis Social Club is therefore not a coffeeshop. Membership, communal participation, and compliance with legal requirements are central.

Where is cannabis consumption not permitted?

Even within the permitted possession limits, cannabis may not be consumed everywhere.

Public consumption is prohibited, among other places:

• In the immediate presence of minors,
• In schools and within their line of sight,
• In children's playgrounds and within their line of sight,
• In children's and youth facilities,
• In publicly accessible sports facilities,
• In cultivation associations and within their line of sight,
• In pedestrian zones between 7 AM and 8 PM.

Line of sight generally refers to an area of up to 100 meters around the entrance of the respective facility. Additionally, house rules and local regulations may apply.

Cannabis and driving

Partial legalization does not mean that driving under the influence of cannabis is permitted.

In road traffic, a legal limit of 3.5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood serum generally applies. Stricter regulations apply to novice drivers during their probationary period and individuals under 21 years of age. The combination of cannabis and alcohol while driving is also prohibited.

The limit should not be understood as a safe consumption recommendation. The effect and detectability of THC vary from person to person. Anyone who has consumed should not drive a vehicle.

Is CBD automatically legal?

CBD and THC-containing cannabis are not legally the same. Nevertheless, the blanket statement "CBD is always legal" is false.

When assessing the legal status of a CBD or hemp product, the following factors are important, among others:

• The exact composition,
• The THC content,
• The raw materials used,
• The product category,
• The labeling,
• The intended use.

Depending on the product type, CBD products may also be subject to food law, cosmetics law, or pharmaceutical law regulations.

Consumers should therefore pay attention to transparent product information, complete instructions, and a reputable provider.

Discover hemp products at Liebermann Hanf Industries

At Liebermann Hanf Industries, you will find a curated product range of hemp, CBD, and matching accessories.

On our product pages, you will find information on the respective properties, ingredients, and application instructions. This allows you to better compare various products and make an informed decision.

Discover the current range from Liebermann Hanf Industries online now.

Would you like to find out more in person? Then visit one of our locations and get an overview of the available products on site.

Please always observe the respective product description, safety instructions, and applicable age restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cannabis fully legal in Germany?

No. It is a partial legalization. Certain forms of possession, private home cultivation, and communal cultivation are permitted. Free commercial sale of consumer cannabis remains prohibited.

How much cannabis may an adult possess?

Outside of one's own residence, generally up to 25 grams are permitted. At one's residence or usual place of abode, adults may possess up to 50 grams of dried cannabis.

May cannabis be ordered online?

Non-medical consumer cannabis may not be sold or ordered through regular online stores. Separate regulations apply to medical cannabis.

May cannabis be consumed in a Cannabis Social Club?

No. Consumption within the premises of a cultivation association is prohibited.

May self-cultivated cannabis be given away?

No. Cannabis from private home cultivation is exclusively for personal consumption and may not be given away or sold to other persons.

Legal Notice

This article is for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice, medical advice, or a recommendation for consumption. Legal regulations and official interpretations may change.