Society

Germany's Cannabis Law Explained: What the CanG Permits Since April 2024

Germany's Cannabis Act (CanG) launched April 2024, permitting adults to possess & consume cannabis in limited quantities, alongside the establishment

By ZenNews Editorial May 3, 2026 2 min read Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Germany's Cannabis Law Explained: What the CanG Permits Since April 2024

On 1 April 2024, Germany's Cannabis Act (CanG) came into force — a historic shift in European drug policy. The law permits adults to possess and consume cannabis within defined limits, and enables non-commercial Cannabis Social Clubs. Here is a clear explanation of what is and is not permitted.

At a Glance

Germany's Cannabis Act allows adults to possess and consume cannabis within limits.
Cannabis Social Clubs are permitted, offering a regulated distribution system.
Strict rules govern possession, consumption, and club operations, with penalties for violations.

The CanG at a Glance

The CanG was introduced in two stages. Stage one (1 April 2024) established possession and cultivation rules. Stage two (1 July 2024) enabled Cannabis Social Clubs.

Rule	Permitted	Prohibited
Public possession	Up to 25g (18+)	Over 25g; under 18s
Private possession	Up to 50g at home	Over 50g
Home cultivation	Up to 3 female plants	More than 3 plants; distribution
Consumption	Private premises, parks (with distance rules)	Within 100m of schools, nurseries, playgrounds; pedestrian zones 07:00–20:00
Cannabis Social Club	Members: 25g/day, 50g/month	Non-members; tourists

Cannabis Social Club Germany Entrance Sign — Image: Leafme.co.uk

Cannabis Social Clubs: The Rules in Detail

Cannabis Social Clubs (Anbauvereinigungen) are non-commercial associations permitted to cultivate cannabis and distribute it to members under strict conditions.

Members: Maximum 500 per club
Eligibility: Age 18+, registered German address (no tourist access)
Over-21 distribution: Max. 25g/day, 50g/month
18–21 distribution: Max. 30g/month, max. 10% THC
Commercialisation: Strictly prohibited — no profit motive
Obligations: Addiction prevention programmes, youth protection officers, minimum distances from schools

Restricted Zones: Where Consumption Is Prohibited

Within 100 metres of schools, nurseries and youth facilities
Playgrounds and public sports facilities
Pedestrian zones between 07:00 and 20:00
Within sight of minors — even outside the listed zones

Penalties for Violations

25–60g possession: Administrative offence; proceedings may be dropped
Over 60g: Criminal prosecution possible
Sale/supply: Remains a criminal offence; custodial sentences possible
Supply to minors: Serious criminal offence
Driving: THC blood limit 3.5 ng/ml — fines and driving bans apply

What the CanG Did Not Change

A common misconception: the CanG does not fully legalise cannabis. There is no regulated retail market as exists in Canada or several US states. Purchasing cannabis commercially remains illegal. Germany has decriminalised private consumption and created a Social Club framework — but stopped well short of full commercialisation.

One important improvement: medical cannabis is now far more accessible following the abolition of the controlled-drug prescription requirement. More detail: Medical Cannabis Prescription in Germany.

Our Take

This article details Germany's new cannabis laws, impacting adults who can now legally possess small amounts. The establishment of Cannabis Social Clubs represents a novel approach to regulated access, subject to significant restrictions.

How do you feel about this?

ZenNews Editorial

Editorial

The ZenNews editorial team covers the most important events from the US, UK and around the world around the clock — independent, reliable and fact-based.