Buying cannabis in Germany: What are the rules?

Who can access cannabis in Germany? Is there a legal way to buy weed at a dispensary? Can I bake some edibles? We give a rundown of the complex rules surrounding marijuana consumption in the federal republic.

Cannabis in Germany

The German laws regulating cannabis are different to those in many other European and international countries. Cannabis is legal, but the rules are more complicated than you might expect. If you are living in Germany or on holiday and looking to buy weed during your trip, here’s what you should know.

Is weed legal in Germany?

Cannabis for personal use has been legal in Germany since April 1, 2024. Anyone over the age of 18 can grow up to three cannabis plants and keep up to 50 grams of cannabis at home. Adults can also carry up to 25 grams of cannabis on their person in public spaces.

Cannabis laws in Germany in 2025

While those over 18 years old can legally consume, carry and grow marijuana in Germany, there are still significant restrictions on where it can be traded.

On July 1, 2024, Germany introduced Cannabis Social Clubs (CSCs). Joining a CSC is the main way to legally access cannabis in Germany. CSCs are not shops but Vereine (associations). In order to join a CSC you must be at least 18 years old and have been a legal resident in Germany for six months or more.

Further rules apply to how CSCs can operate:

• CSCs can have up to 500 members.
• CSCs can give members under 22 years old up to 30 grams of cannabis per month.
• Members over the age of 22 can access 25 grams of cannabis per day, up to 50 grams per month.
• CSCs can only trade cannabis flowers but not cannabis products (e.g. edibles).
• CSCs cannot ship or deliver cannabis.
• CSCs cannot advertise or sponsor.

Can I buy recreational weed in dispensaries in Germany?

So what if you haven’t lived in Germany for six months or more or you are on holiday? Can you buy recreational marijuana at a dispensary?

Germany’s cannabis law has two pillars. The first pillar became law in 2024, legalising marijuana for personal use and allowing CSCs. The second pillar, which will allow cannabis to be sold commercially in dispensaries, is still in the trial phase.

During this trial phase, a select number of dispensaries across some German cities can sell cannabis. However, only participants registered to take part in these trials can access cannabis from these shops.

These are the rules as of early 2025. Only if these dispensary trials are considered a success and the European Union approves the German model, might Germany allow anyone over 18 to buy cannabis over the counter.

There is yet another hurdle. The centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which is expected to lead the next German government, has vowed to make cannabis illegal again. In that case, commercial dispensaries may be made illegal before the second pillar trial period is completed.

Where is it legal to smoke weed in Germany?

If you meet the above requirements to legally access weed in Germany, you should be aware that there are also specific rules about where it is legal to consume cannabis.

Marijuana cannot be consumed on the premises of a CSC, within 250 metres of a school, Kita, playground, youth club or sports ground. It is also not permitted to consume cannabis in pedestrian areas between the hours of 7am and 8pm.

How to access different marijuana products in Germany

There are still many rules around legally accessing marijuana buds in Germany, but what about other products related to marijuana, like the seeds, CBD, THC vapes and edibles?

How can I get cannabis seeds in Germany?

CSCs in Germany can give their members up to seven cannabis seeds per month. These can be used to grow plants for personal use. It is also legal for anyone to order cannabis seeds online from within Germany or from another EU country.

Is CBD legal in Germany?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, a chemical found in cannabis. Crucially, CBD does not necessarily contain tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC. THC is the chemical component of cannabis which makes you high.

CBD has a calming effect on the body and is often used in creams, teas, shampoos or lozenges. These products are legal in Germany. However, CBD products sold in Germany may only contain 0,2 percent THC, otherwise they are illegal under the German Narcotics Law (Betäubungsmittelgesetz).

Are THC vapes legal in Germany?

THC vapes are legal in Germany. While some vapes can be filled with cannabis buds, others use liquid. Dronabinol is the liquid form of THC and has been legal for medical use in Germany since 2017. 

Since cannabis was legalised for personal use in 2024, it has become easier to get a prescription for this liquid form of THC. This is because cannabis is no longer classed as a narcotic. 

Consequentially, several online platforms have popped up offering customers a prescription minutes after filling out a basic form. However, the legality of these platforms has now been called into question and proceedings have begun against some sites.

Buying weed edibles in Germany

It is not currently legal to sell or even make cannabis edibles at home in Germany. This is because anyone who makes cannabis edibles must extract cannabinoids from a cannabis plant, which is still illegal according to the existing cannabis law.

The German government decided to keep edibles illegal, arguing that such products are more enticing to children and young people.

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