CanG: What does the Cannabis Act regulate? Possession, consumption, home cultivation, cultivation associations and protection zones

The CanG – Cannabis Act is the new legal basis for the recreational use of cannabis in Germany. Since 2024, it has defined clear rules on possession, consumption, home cultivation, cultivation associations and protection zones for the first time. The CanG thus forms the core structure of partial legalization. At the same time, it supplements other areas of law such as the THC limit value in road traffic and municipal prohibited areas. Here you will find all the important contents of the CanG explained for you in a compact and understandable way.

What does the CanG regulate?

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The Cannabis Act sets out all the rules that apply to non-medical use. It does not contain any medical provisions – these are set out in the separate MedCanG. The CanG defines possession quantities, places of consumption, cultivation, dispensaries and prohibition zones. The law also creates new criminal offenses and fines.

5 things that are regulated in the CanG:

• Possessions
• Consumption rules & protection zones
• Home-grown
• Growers’ associations
• Fines & penalties

Permitted possession quantities according to CanG

Adults are allowed to possess cannabis – but only within clear limits. These quantities were deliberately set low in order to protect minors and cover personal use. You can also find a detailed overview in the guide Cannabis quantity – What is allowed?

• Up to 25 g in public spaces
• Up to 50 g in your own home

Here is a small addition:

“For patients, you can order up to 100 g and have it in your own home”

Consumption: Where is it allowed? (consumption zones)

The CanG permits consumption – but only outside defined protection zones. Many violations occur due to ignorance of prohibited areas. You can find all the details about consumption zones here: Consumption zones explained.

• Visibility of schools/daycare centers: prohibited
• Playgrounds & youth centers: prohibited
• Pedestrian zones: 7-20 o’clock forbidden
• Parks: permitted (except protected areas)

Question: Where is it allowed? Our tip: Use the free Bubatz card.

Home cultivation – permitted, but strictly limited

With the CanG, private home cultivation is legal for the first time. The rules are clearly limited and are part of the legislator’s strategy to protect minors. What applies?

• 3 female plants per adult
• Only non-public, childproof locations
• Too bad, but no disclosure to third parties

Growers’ associations (clubs) in the CanG

Growers’ associations are the second major component of partial legalization. They enable community cultivation – without commercial interests. The clubs are allowed to supply cannabis to members, but must comply with strict documentation requirements.

• Maximum 500 members
• Only one membership per person
• Delivery: 25 g/day or 50 g/month

How many growers’ associations are there?

With currently 293 growers’ associations and a maximum of 500 members per association, a maximum of 146,500 adults could be supplied, which is only around 0.21% of the German population aged 18 and over. Would you have thought that?

• How many growers’ associations are there?

Fines & penalties according to CanG

The Cannabis Act contains an extensive catalog of fines. Violations can be expensive – depending on location, quantity and repetition. Particularly strict: consumption in protection zones and possession above the permitted limits.

• 50-300 € in protection zones
• Over 30 g in public: criminal proceedings possible
• Illegal transfer = criminal offense

THC limit value in road traffic

Even if it is not in the CanG itself, the THC limit is part of the overall regulation. Since 2024, the following applies nationwide: 3.5 ng/ml serum. Anything above this is considered driving under the influence of drugs. Find out more: THC & driving.

• 3.5 ng/ml permitted
• Mixed consumption prohibited
• 500 € + driving ban

Why the CanG is not full legalization

The Cannabis Act creates legal areas – but also continues to impose many bans. Germany has deliberately opted for a “non-commercial model”. Sale in stores or online stores remains prohibited. Only clubs and home cultivation are permitted.

1. No commercial sale
2. No advertising
3. Strictly prohibited areas

CanG & MedCanG – the clear separation

Many people confuse the Leisure Time Act (CanG) with the Medical Care Act (MedCanG). Both systems run in parallel. Anyone who needs cannabis for medical reasons continues to use prescription & pharmacy. The recreational sector has no influence on this.

• CanG = recreational consumption
• MedCanG = medical care
• Prescription requirement remains in place