Cannabis law: Germany from 1994 to today – Current rules

Cannabis law – German cannabis legislation has changed considerably in recent decades – from strict criminalization to partial legalization. At the same time, patients are currently experiencing new restrictions. Friction is arising between recreational regulations and medical care. Many regulations are complex and lead to uncertainty in everyday life. This overview summarizes the most important steps – and shows where the debate stands today! Tip: News on cannabis law, new every week with Fantastic Life on YouTube x CannaZen stream here: Cannabis Policy News.

Cannabis law up to date

There are currently 2 basic regulations:

1. MedCanG – Medical cannabis via doctors and pharmacies
2. CanG – Recreational consumption via home growing and grow clubs

Currently permitted are:

Topic	Allowed
Ownership	up to 25 g (public) / 50 g (at home)
Home-grown	max. 3 female plants
Clubs	Member: up to 25 g/day & 50 g/month
Consumption	for adults outside schools & pedestrian zones (7 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
Quantity (medicine)	up to 100 g per month on prescription
Driving	below 3.5 ng/ml THC*

*without signs of failure; nevertheless risky in road traffic.

November 03: CDU/CSU stick to change in law

The interim report on cannabis legalization shows: less crime, no increase among young people – the law is working. Nevertheless, the CDU is calling for changes, while the SPD and Greens want legal specialist stores as the next step. Follow us on Youtube x CannaZen.

What has happened so far….

05.11.25 – End of the cannabis petition

The petition against the planned tightening ends – patients continue to demand free access to medical cannabis.

05 05.11.25

Petition to preserve patients’ rights The end of the petition against the planned compulsory medical practice and the ban on mail-order pharmacies clearly shows how great the resistance is among the population. Many of those affected are demanding that medical care should not be made more difficult by additional hurdles. Politicians and ministries are now under pressure to take the criticism seriously. Petition ends on November 5, 2025 Demand: No shipping ban Ensure free choice of doctor Strengthening patients’ rights To the cannabis petition

08.10.25 – Planned tightening of medical cannabis regulations

The cabinet wants to introduce compulsory medical treatment and a ban on mail order – patient groups warn of gaps in care.

08 08.10.25

Planned restrictions for patients The Ministry of Health is planning new rules for medicinal cannabis. In future, prescriptions are only to be issued by medical specialists. Dispensing to patients is to be prohibited. This would make existing treatments more difficult. Many patients fear supply problems. Physician obligation for prescription Prohibition of mailing to patients More bureaucracy in everyday life Interference with therapeutic freedom Petition demands withdrawal

2024: Partial legalization of cannabis

22.08.24 – New THC limit value in road traffic

For the first time, there is a legal THC value: 3.5 ng/ml blood serum – plus strict rules for novice drivers.

22 22.08.24

THC limit applies nationwide After the Bundestag and Bundesrat, the amendment came into force with the promulgation of the new THC limit in road traffic. Exceeding the limit will be sanctioned as an administrative offense, and mixed consumption will be punished more severely. 3.5 ng/ml THC in serum 500 € + 1 month driving ban Stricter for mixed consumption Absolute ban for novice drivers/U21

01.07.24 – Start of the cultivation associations

Community, non-commercial cultivation begins – officially approved and strictly regulated.

01 01.07.24

Cannabis clubs begin Members are registered, dispensing quantities are limited. Prevention and quality requirements apply and authorities monitor implementation. Membership required Limited levies Strict conditions

01.07.24 – Strict documentation requirements for clubs

Cultivation associations are allowed to start – combined with extensive documentation and control requirements.

01 01.07.24

High requirements for growers’ associations Cannabis clubs(cultivation associations) must keep precise records of membership lists, harvest quantities and taxes. Violations can lead to closure. Many clubs criticize the high administrative burden. Data protection issues remain unresolved. Annual inspection obligation Data transfer to authorities Penalties for deviations High costs for clubs

01.07.24 – No commercial sale permitted

Despite legalization, retail remains taboo – legal distribution only via clubs or home cultivation.

01 01.07.24

Sale remains prohibited Pharmacies, stores or online sales are excluded. Consumers have to rely on clubs or home cultivation. Many see this as a missed opportunity to regulate the market. No retail trade No online submission Black market remains active Lack of tax revenue

01.07.24 – Limitation of club memberships

Rules limit memberships and club size – access remains difficult in many places.

01 01.07.24

Maximum of one membership allowed People may only belong to one cannabis club at a time. This is intended to prevent abuse. This makes access more difficult, especially in rural areas. Only 1 club per person Max. 500 members per club Residence requirement Access often time-consuming

01.04.24 – Protection zones and consumption bans

When it comes into force, nationwide banned zones will apply – for example at schools, daycare centers or in pedestrian zones.

01 01.04.24

Consumption bans in protection zones The law stipulates bans within sight of children’s and youth facilities as well as time restrictions in pedestrian zones. Citizens complain that enforcement is sometimes unclear. Visibility/distances to schools & daycare centers Prohibitions at playgrounds & sports facilities Times in pedestrian zones Fines for violations

01.04.24 – Private home cultivation permitted

With the entry into force, adults are allowed to cultivate on a small scale at home.

01 01.04.24

Three plants at home Cultivation must be childproof; distribution to minors remains prohibited. The aim is to supply for personal use. 3 Plants Own use only Safe storage

01.04.24 – Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG)

Parallel to the CanG, the medical sector was reorganized – with its own law.

01 01.04.24

New framework for patients Responsibilities and documentation have been clarified and research facilitated. The focus is now on security of supply. Separate law(MedCanG) Clear responsibilities More studies

01.04.24 – Cannabis Act (CanG) in force

Partial legalization officially begins – possession, consumption and small-scale home cultivation are regulated.

01 01.04.24

Partial legalization started Adults may possess up to 25 g and keep three plants. Regulatory offences have been reorganized(recreational use permitted) and prevention campaigns are accompanying the introduction. 25 g Possession 3 Plants New framework for fines

22.03.24 – Federal Council approves cannabis law

Approval by the Federal Council clears the way for the law to enter into force shortly afterwards.

22 22.03.24

Cannabis law passed The Federal Council has approved the Cannabis Act. In future, adults will be allowed to possess and privately cultivate cannabis to a limited extent. The aim is to curb the black market and protect young people. Police and courts will be relieved. Large parts will come into force on April 1, 2024. Up to 25 g possession Max. 3 plants private Clubs from 01.07.2024 No commercial sale

2023: Key points model partial legalization

12.04.23 – Government presents revised key points model

The 2022 key issues paper will be followed by a 2-pillar approach in 2023: clubs and model regions.

12 12.04.23

Key points (2-pillar model) The approach combines home cultivation/clubs with scientifically monitored model regions. Advertising remains prohibited, focus on youth protection. Clubs & model regions Advertising ban Protection of minors

2022: Minor adjustments

26.10.22 – Key issues paper of the Federal Government

The first political course: key points outline ownership, levy and protection requirements.

26 26.10.22

First key points agreed The cabinet adopts key points on controlled delivery to adults. They become the basis for subsequent legislative work. First crash barriers Delivery/possession frame Youth protection provided

2017: Cannabis as medicine

10.03.17 – “Cannabis as medicine” comes into force

Medical cannabis can now be prescribed – health insurance companies can cover costs in individual cases.

10 10.03.17

Cannabis on prescription Doctors are allowed to prescribe cannabis medicines. Cannabis is now available on prescription. Accompanying surveys secure data, care becomes more predictable. Prescription possible Cash benefit partly possible Data & Research

06.03.17 – Cannabis agency established at the BfArM

The state agency controls cultivation/import for medical purposes and ensures quality.

06 06.03.17

Control of cultivation and import The Cannabis Agency coordinates tenders and monitors supply chains. The aim: reliable quality for patients. BfArM settlement Quality standards Allocations & control

2001: First trials of the MedCanG

01.01.01 – First medical exemptions

Before 2017, individual seriously ill patients were granted exemptions – the beginning of medical use.

01 01.01.01

Exceptions for patients Seriously ill patients receive permits for cannabis flowers in individual cases. Experiences are later incorporated into legislation. Individual case approvals Start of medical use Strict requirements

1994: Own use

09.03.94 – BVerfG facilitates personal use cases

The Constitutional Court allows cessation practice for small quantities – basis for later reforms.

09 09.03.94

BVerfG on small quantities Small quantities for personal use do not necessarily have to be prosecuted. Countries can discontinue proceedings – a turning point in practice. Own use can be discontinued Country margins Setting the course