Cannabis consumption zones: Where is it allowed? Smoking joints next to school, kindergarten & co.

With the partial legalization of cannabis, not only possession was regulated, but also consumption in public spaces. This is exactly where the so-called consumption zones come into play. They decide where adults may legally consume cannabis – and where strict prohibitions apply. The rules are among the most important areas of the Cannabis Act (CanG), but are often misunderstood in everyday life. Get to know all the consumption zones, protection zones and prohibited areas here.

Consumption zones simply explained

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The law defines consumption zones where cannabis is permitted in public spaces. At the same time, the law defines nationwide protection zones in which consumption remains prohibited. The rules supplement other central areas of the CanG, such as permitted quantities or partial legalization. The aim of the consumption zones is to protect young people and establish clear order in public spaces.

• Consumption generally permitted – except in protection zones
• Nationwide rules, municipal additions possible
• Goal: Youth protection & safety in public spaces

Tip from the editors:

“Use the free Bubatz map as an app, here you can see all the current prohibition and consumption zones.”

This is what the app looks like. Prohibited zones are marked as a radius.

Nationwide prohibition zones under the Cannabis Act

The CanG lists several areas in which consumption is absolutely prohibited. These zones apply throughout Germany and may be extended by local authorities. Tools such as the Bubatz map, which already shows many cities according to the law, provide guidance.

Roughly speaking:

Visibility of schools (approx. 100-200 m depending on the city)

Daycare centers, playgrounds, youth centers

Sports facilities and youth sports areas

Pedestrian zones from 07:00-20:00

Where are you now allowed to use cannabis and where not?

Let’s take a look at the zones in detail:

Consumption in pedestrian zones

A strict time window applies in pedestrian zones: cannabis may only be consumed after 8 pm. This ban is uniform throughout Germany and was introduced to protect heavily frequented areas during the day. The rule is one of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of legalization.

• 07:00-20:00: Consumption prohibited
• From 20:00: Consumption permitted
• Fines for violations

Consumption in parks & public green spaces

Cannabis is generally permitted in parks – as long as no protection zone applies. However, cities are allowed to define additional “sensitive areas”. Many municipalities have different strict regulations, which is why local information remains important.

• Generally permitted outside of protection zones
• Municipal extensions possible
• Fines for proximity to playgrounds

Consumption near clubs, bars & events

Cannabis may be consumed around clubs and bars as long as no special protection zone has been defined. At large events (public festivals, concerts), temporary prohibited areas can be set up for stoners. Cities usually publish information on this in advance.

• Generally permitted
• Events can introduce special bans
• Police check on site

Visibility rule – the most important protection zone

The “visibility rule” is at the heart of the consumption zones. It prohibits consumption, whether joint or pipe, as soon as children and youth facilities are visible. In practice, this often leads to uncertainties – for example in parks next to schools or city centers with many educational institutions.

• No fixed number of meters in the law
• Cities mostly use 100-200 meters
• Violation = fine

Are you allowed to consume on your own doorstep?

Yes – as long as your front door does not lead into a pedestrian zone and there is no school or daycare center within sight. Different rules apply to private areas: Consumption is legal on balconies, terraces or gardens as long as there is no danger to children.

• Private areas: generally permitted
• Exception: visibility clause in public areas
• Observe neighborhood law (odor/nuisance)

Consumption in the car & road traffic

Consumption in the car is prohibited – even in a parked vehicle. The reason: the risk of driving afterwards. The legal THC limit of 3.5 ng/ml remains decisive. You can find out more in the traffic guide: THC & driving.

• Consumption in the vehicle prohibited
• THC limit value 3.5 ng/ml
• Mixed consumption severely punished

What is NOT allowed – even outside protected zones

Even if consumption is permitted in principle, certain areas remain prohibited. Partial legalization does not change this. You can find out more about the general rules in the overview: Partial legalization explained.

No consumption in means of transportation

No consumption in schoolyards, sports grounds

No consumption in front of youth clubs

No consumption while driving a vehicle

What are the penalties for infringements? Consumption zones and fines

Violations of consumption zones are classified as an administrative offense. The amount of the fine varies depending on the city and the severity of the offense. In sensitive areas (schools, daycare centers), the fines are significantly higher.

• Fine range: 50-300 €
• Harsher penalties in youth protection areas
• Repeat cases can become more expensive

Supplementary: How consumption zones relate to ownership rules

Consumption zones regulate where you are allowed to consume – the possession rules regulate how much. Both topics belong together. You can find the full quantities here: Cannabis quantity: What is allowed?

• Consumption permitted = only outside the prohibited zones
• Consumption legalized Possession not in excess of quantities
• Protection zones always apply – even with permitted quantities