Is Weed Legal in Germany?
Yes. Germany legalized recreational cannabis on April 1, 2024 under the Cannabis Act (CanG). Adults 18+ may possess up to 25 grams in public and grow up to three plants at home for personal use.
Detailed Answer
Germany became the largest country in the European Union to legalize recreational cannabis when the Cannabis Act (Cannabisgesetz, or CanG) took effect on April 1, 2024. The law permits adults aged 18 and over to possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis in public and up to 50 grams at home. Personal cultivation of up to three flowering plants per adult is also allowed.
Distribution is handled through non-profit cannabis social clubs (Anbauvereinigungen) that are limited to 500 members each. Commercial retail sales are not yet permitted nationwide, though a pilot program for licensed retail shops is planned for select regions. Consumption is prohibited near schools, playgrounds, sports facilities, and pedestrian zones during daytime hours.
The law also introduced amnesty provisions for people previously convicted of offenses that are no longer criminal under the new framework. Courts began reviewing past convictions shortly after the law went into effect, and thousands of cases have been re-examined.
Germany's move is widely seen as a turning point for European cannabis policy. As the EU's most populous member state and largest economy, Germany's legalization is expected to influence neighboring countries and the broader regulatory conversation across the continent.