Until recently Germany does was among the European countries with a conservative policy towards cannabis, while since April we have experienced a clear change of direction: now it is legal for people over 18 to possess and cultivate cannabis for recreational use within certain quantities. But which ones? Let's find out in this mini-guide on Germany legalization, useful for those who are planning a trip to this Central European nation, for those who live there or for those who are thinking of moving there.

How Legalization Works in Germany

How many grams of weed are legal in Germany? Since April, in Germany, people over the age of 18 have been able to carry up to 25 grams of dried grass (keeping up to 50 at home) and can keep up to three marijuana plants at home or in the garden. In this way, the German country combats the phenomenon of the black market by legalizing cannabis for recreational use. Among the rules on legalization Germany 2024 one in particular concerns sales: it is not permitted to buy and sell cannabis except under specific conditions which we will examine in more detail, and It is not possible to give away grass that you grow at home. These rules may change in the future, with the opening of licensed stores beyond the existing cannabis clubs.

Medical cannabis, of course, continues to be legal even if this use is limited to a few categories of people who have a doctor's authorization and a prescription. Even the CBD continues to be legal as it is hemp seeds which can also be purchased from other EU countries.

Where you can smoke in Germany

The new rules for taking cannabis in Germany are similar to those that regulate cigarette consumption. In fact, smoking is prohibited in the presence of children and young people under 18 and in the vicinity of nurseries, schools, sports facilities and cannabis clubs: you must move at least 100 meters away from the aforementioned places. In addition, you cannot smoke weed in pedestrian areas from 7 am to 8 pm every day.

Where instead is it? Is it allowed to smoke cannabis in Germany? There are no shops for free sale in this country yet because the EU has rejected the proposed law for the time being. However, it is not excluded that in the future similar situations could be created. best coffee shops in amsterdam.

For now, in Germany the following have been established: cannabis club, similar to the Spanish “cannabis social clubs”. In these associations and their premises it is possible to grow and consume recreational cannabis. The rules of the clubs at the moment are as follows:

• To obtain cannabis you must be a member.
• There can be up to 500 members per club. Each member is entitled to 25 grams of cannabis per day or 50 per month.
• For those under 22, the monthly permitted grams decrease: the maximum is 30 per person.
• Clubs are prohibited from making deliveries or shipments of cannabis: you must go to the club.
• Cannabis cannot be advertised.
• To join a German cannabis club you must have been resident in Germany for at least 6 months and be at least 18 years old.

Germany legalizes tourists

As far as tourists are concerned, the German situation is paradoxical: Tourists can smoke in Germany but they can't buy the weed since there is no free sale in the country yet. They cannot even join a cannabis club because these are only open to those who have been living in Germany for at least 6 months.In theory they can't even accept cannabis as a gift. Over time, probably the rules will evolve so that tourists can also enjoy legally purchased grass: let's remember that cannabis clubs were activated by law only on July 1st, so there is room for change.

Can you import cannabis into Germany? Unfortunately not, it is prohibited. Especially at the borders with other countries where cannabis is decriminalized (for example the Netherlands) frequent random checks are carried out, even with the use of dog units. Therefore, it still seems impossible for tourists to consume weed in Germany for the impossibility of purchasing or importing it, even though in theory ownership and consumption are free for all.

In which countries in the world is recreational cannabis legal?

Recreational Cannabis at the Moment It is legal in few countries in the world. The recent addition of Germany bodes well for a less prohibitionist future in Europe, as it is the first major state to take a step in this direction. Cannabis is currently fully legalized in countries such as:

• Germany
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Uruguay
• Mexico
• Canada
• South Africa
• Thailand
• Georgia
• Some US states

In other countries such as the Netherlands and Spain cannabis is not legal but is simply decriminalized, which means that there are no criminal penalties for those in possession of it.